Three more children settle Epilim sodium valproate cases

Sodium valproate, manufactured by Sanofi and sold as Epilim, has been linked to a high risk of serious injury for babies in the womb. File picture

Three more children have settled cases against the HSE linked to their mother taking epilepsy drug Epilim during pregnancy as families call for redress for all affected.

Also on Thursday the Department of Health said it will not publish an interim report from a public inquiry looking at regulation of sodium valproate, sold as Epilim and manufactured by Sanofi.

The anti-seizure medication has been linked in Ireland and abroad to a high risk of serious injury for babies in the womb.

Karen Keely from support group OACS Ireland said they were “delighted with the favourable outcome" for the latest family. 

However, she said: “The fact that many more will continue in court underscores the urgent need for the inquiry to establish comprehensive redress so families are spared endless litigation.” 

She called for all families to receive “substantial redress”, saying all “deserve equal measure of recompense".

Solicitor Ciara McPhillips, Michael Boylan Litigation, has worked with eight cases so far. 

“This is yet another family dragged through the courts to vindicate their children’s rights, all against a background where an inquiry was promised years ago,” she said.

OACS Ireland co-founder Karen Keely with her sons Harry, Lorcan, and Lee, at the 2024 announcement of the public inquiry into the prescribing of anti-epilepsy medication sodium valproate to pregnant women. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins 

“It is running now but with no indication or guarantees that the up-shot of the inquiry will include any form of redress.” 

Inquiry chair Brid O’Flaherty began work in July and has submitted her interim report to health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

However a department spokeswoman said the terms of reference “provide for the publication of the final report only". 

The terms do not prohibit publication of an interim report.

• Niamh Griffin, Health Correspondent