RANZCP homepage
Valproate in healthcare
The RANZCP has endorsed the following resource produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom.
Withdrawal of, and alternatives to, valproate-containing medicines in girls and women of childbearing potential who have a psychiatric illness [Royal College of Psychiatrists website]
Valproate use during pregnancy should be aligned with recommendations outlined by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). Sodium valproate should not be prescribed to women and girls of child-bearing age, or without a Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) agent. Women and girls should also be required to sign a form acknowledging their understanding of the risks of taking sodium valproate.
In April 2024 Sanofi Australia & New Zealand advised prescribers of new warnings and measures to inform about higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) including autism spectrum disorders in children after paternal exposure to valproate.
