The FDA warns against healthcare providers giving anti-seizure medications valproate sodium, valproic acid and divalproex sodium to pregnant women for migraine prevention, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
A recent study showed these medicines caused lower IQ scores in children when mothers consumed them during pregnancy. Valproate's pregnancy category will be changed from D, indicating potential benefit despite risks, to X, indicating risk outweighs any possible benefit, according to the report.
Valproate is approved to treat epilepsy, manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and migraine headache prevention. Pregnant women should completely avoid it for migraines and should only use it for epilepsy or bipolar disorder if other treatments have failed.
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A recent study showed these medicines caused lower IQ scores in children when mothers consumed them during pregnancy. Valproate's pregnancy category will be changed from D, indicating potential benefit despite risks, to X, indicating risk outweighs any possible benefit, according to the report.
Valproate is approved to treat epilepsy, manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and migraine headache prevention. Pregnant women should completely avoid it for migraines and should only use it for epilepsy or bipolar disorder if other treatments have failed.
More Articles on Anesthesia:
Sedasys Computer-Assisted System for GI Propofol Sedation Approved by FDA
FDA Clears Masimo's Rainbow Respiratory Monitor for Pediatric Use
Hospira GemStar Infusion System Recalled by FDA for Battery Malfunction