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Healthcare professionals in the UK are being advised to avoid prescribing the migraine and antiseizure medication topiramate, commonly known by the brand name Topamax, to women and girls unless they fulfil the requirements of a Pregnancy Prevention Programme. This guidance follows new safety measures introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) following a major safety review, which highlighted a potential increased risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children exposed to topiramate during pregnancy. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) evaluated studies that examined the risks associated with using topiramate during pregnancy. These studies indicated that children born to mothers who took topiramate during pregnancy had an approximately 2 to 3 times higher risk of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Based on CHM's recommendations, the MHRA now advises that topiramate should not be prescribed for treating epilepsy during pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised 'no one should stop taking valproate without advice from their healthcare professional.' The latest data on the use of valproate in England revealed that in the last 6 months the number of pregnant women prescribed valproate in a 6-month period has fallen from 68 women in April to September 2018, to 17 women in October 2021 to March 2022. In light of concerns that the current regulatory requirements for safe use are not being consistently followed, the MHRA conducted a review of the available data and asked for advice from the independent Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). "The CHM has advised that no one under the age of 55 should be initiated on valproate unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective or tolerated treatment," said MHRA. "Where possible, existing patients should be switched to another treatment unless two specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective or tolerated treatment or the risks do not apply."

Southdowns Pharmacy was honoured for its outstanding efforts to uphold patient safety standards, particularly in the dispensing of valproate, at the recent Independent Pharmacy Association (IPA) Ball 2024 in London. Expressing his joy upon receiving the IPA Patient Safety Award, Nemesh Patel, Managing Director of the Southdowns Pharmacy Group, said: "IPA is an organisation that represents thousands of independent pharmacies, and to achieve such recognition is truly humbling and exciting at the same time. "Our teams work exceptionally hard for their patients and to be recognised amongst hundreds of other pharmacies is truly wonderful." Southdowns Pharmacy Group serves the communities of Emsworth, Havant, Leigh Park, and Rowlands Castle in East Hampshire. Patient Safety Initiatives When asked about the initiatives that earned this accolade, Nemesh explained: "Our teams have completed several audits over the past 24 months to identify patients taking valproate products who may become pregnant. "Pharmacists, including myself, have engaged with these patients to discuss the risks associated with taking valproate during pregnancy."