Overview

• Men are warned to use contraception and avoid sperm donation while on sodium valproate and for three months after stopping.
• The guidance follows a Scandinavian study suggesting a small increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children conceived by men on the drug.
• Sodium valproate is prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder under various brand names, including Epilim and Depakote.
• The MHRA emphasizes that patients should not stop taking the medication without consulting a healthcare professional.
• The drug was already known to pose reproductive risks for women, with high rates of birth defects and developmental disorders in children exposed in utero.