Men on Sodium Valproate Advised to Use Contraception Due to Child Health Risks

New MHRA guidance highlights potential neurodevelopmental issues in children conceived by men taking the epilepsy and bipolar medication.

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.