The booklet for healthcare professionals gives a comprehensive overview of the risks of treatment in pregnant patients and those of childbearing potential.
The checklist is to be used by specialist prescribers concluding it necessary to treat or continue treating a women of child bearing potential to ensure that all the necessary information has been given and fully understood.
The patient guide should be given to patients or their carers when considering valproate treatment in a woman of childbearing potential.
The patient card should be given to women of child bearing potential when dispensing valproate.
GPs are advised that valproate should be started and supervised by a specialist experienced in managing epilepsy or bipolar disorder, and to consider the need to arrange treatment reviews with the relevant specialist for women of childbearing potential and girls who are currently taking valproate.
The January 2015 MHRA originally highlighted the increased risks in pregnancy.