“Between 2007 and 2014, 14,322 pregnancies were exposed to valproic acid“announces this August 24 the Ministry of Health in a press release. These are the first results of a study commissioned in 2015 by Minister Marisol Touraine to assess the exposure of pregnant women to medicines containing valproic acid, such as Dépakine® and its derivatives. These drugs prescribed for epilepsy could cause fetal malformations. On August 10, the Chained Duck denounced a real health scandalaround this drug.
Families will be compensated in the next six months
At the beginning of the study revealing these new figures : the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) and the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAMTS). In view of these results, the Minister of Health announced the establishment within the next six months of a family compensation fund and a national screening and reporting protocol (PNDS) which should ensure a full management of the patients concerned.
A new pictogram on the boxes of Dépakine®
At the same time, the ministry has expressed its desire to strengthen information related to the use of drugs containing valproic acid during pregnancy. Thus, a red pictogram bearing for example the inscription “Micropakine® + pregnancy = danger“will appear on the medicine boxes within six months, in addition to the warning notices already present. Communication campaigns aimed at health professionals and patients will also be put in place.”These measures are a continuation of the actions carried out since 2013 by the Minister to strengthen the prevention of the risks associated with taking valproic acid or other drugs during pregnancy, but also to organize a diagnosis and treatment. support adapted for patients“, underlines the ministry in its press release.
Valproic acid: @MarisolTouraine announces the establishment of a compensation system for families https://t.co/7pn7KQ5tPM
– MinSocialSanté (@MinSocialSante) August 24, 2016
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