What birth defects are caused by Depakote?

What Problems Are Linked to Depakote?

Neural tube defects (including spina bifida and ancephaly)
Craniofacial defects (including cleft lip and cleft palate)
Cardiovascular malformations (impacting the heart or blood vessels).

Why valproate is contraindicated in pregnancy?

The use of Sodium valproate (Epilim) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk to the unborn baby (fetus). Congenital malformations have been estimated to affect between 6.7%1 and 12.4%2 of children exposed to Epilim in the womb. The rate of malformations in the general population is 2-3%.

Is valproic acid contraindicated in pregnancy?

[05-06-2013] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising health care professionals and women that the anti-seizure medication valproate sodium and related products, valproic acid and divalproex sodium, are contraindicated and should not be taken by pregnant women for the prevention of migraine headaches.

Is carbamazepine safe in pregnancy?

Carbamazepine has not been associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications such as cesarean section, preeclampsia, or premature delivery,4 and its contributions to congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental anomalies have become clearer owing to recent large studies.

Which antiepileptic drug is safest in pregnancy?

Of the new anti-seizure medications, lamotrigine and levetiracetam are the most widely used due to their known safety during pregnancy. Clearance of lamotrigine and levetiracetam doubles during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.

Why valproic acid causes neural tube defects?

Antiepileptic drug therapy with valproic acid (VPA) during early pregnancy can result in a 1-2% incidence of spina bifida aperta, a closure defect of the posterior neural tube in the human. The predominant defect produced by VPA in the mouse is exencephaly, a closure defect of the anterior neural tube.

Does valproic acid cross the placenta?

Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug that crosses the placenta freely.

What does valproic acid do to a fetus?

The use of VPA as a single drug (monotherapy) in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with significantly increased risks of major and minor malformations, including a 20-fold increase in neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida, cleft lip and palate, cardiovascular abnormalities, genitourinary defects …

What anti epileptics are safe in pregnancy?

A review of the risks of major congenital malformations and of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes for antiepileptic drugs by the Commission on Human Medicines has confirmed that lamotrigine (Lamictal) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are the safer of the medicines reviewed during pregnancy.

What birth defects are caused by Depakote? What Problems Are Linked to Depakote? Neural tube defects (including spina bifida and ancephaly) Craniofacial defects (including cleft lip and cleft palate) Cardiovascular malformations (impacting the heart or blood vessels). Why valproate is contraindicated in pregnancy? The use of Sodium valproate (Epilim) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to…