News & Resouces

The Latest News from OACS Ireland

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The eighth annual #MedSafetyWeek

By wpengine | November 7, 2023

This years #MedSafetyWeek – is an annual global campaign which aims to highlight the importance of reporting suspected side effects and safety issues resulting from a person’s medication. The Health Products Regulatory Authority are seeking support for the eighth annual #MedSafetyWeek campaign,…

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#BUDGET2024, OACS Ireland and the Victims of EPILIM (Sodium Valproate) Scandal

By wpengine | October 11, 2023

OACS Ireland Statement Date: 11th October 2023 Although some measures of Budget 2024 are welcomed, we are frustrated to see that Minister Donohue again has failed to provide an adequate level of means and allowances by which the most vulnerable…

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Dear Healthcare Professional communication issued by the HPRA on “fathers exposure” to EPILIM (Sodium Valproate).

By wpengine | October 10, 2023

Last Updated: Wed, 04/10/2023 – 11:00 Further to our recent updates regarding a European review of data on the potential risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, in children fathered by men taking EPILIM (sodium valproate) – containing medicines in…

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Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children and adults with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder: A contribution from the ConcePTION project.

By wpengine | September 29, 2023

Introduction: OACS Ireland are delighted to welcome a key paper written by M. Bluett-Duncan, co-written by Rebecca Bromley and other health care professionals, along with input from patient groups in Ireland, UK and New Zealand. It is the largest study…

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Pregnancy Prevention Programme to be introduced for Anti-seizure medication Topiramate (Topamax)

By Karen | September 15, 2023

Following a review of three recent studies, the European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has recommended that a Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP) be introduced around the use of the Anti-Seizure Medication Topiramate (Topamax). Two of these studies suggest…

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Update on risks associated with paternal exposure to Sodium Valproate (Epilim).

By wpengine | August 21, 2023

Last Updated: Mon, 21/08/2023. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued an update on its ongoing review of data on the potential risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children conceived by fathers taking sodium valproate (Epilim). In May of this year,…

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34th Annual ENTIS Conference,

OACS Ireland invited to speak at the 34th Annual ENTIS Conference 2023

By wpengine | August 10, 2023

OACS Ireland Chairperson Karen Keely has been invited to speak at the 34th Annual ENTIS Conference which is being held at the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland from the 31st of August 2023 and ends on the 2nd of…

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File on Four (the epilepsy scandal)

By wpengine | July 23, 2023

BBC File on Four have published a powerful documentary which features women and men in the UK who were prescribed Sodium Valproate (Epilim). Sodium Valproate is being described by experts as a bigger scandal than Thalidomide. Recently it has been…

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Statement from OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland on cabinet approval for non-statutory inquiry into historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate.

By wpengine | July 11, 2023

11th July 2023. OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland welcome today’s official approval from cabinet to establish an inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate in Ireland. Both organisations have campaigned for the establishment of an inquiry since…

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EMA study suggests possible increased risk to children of fathers treated with (Epilim) Sodium Valproate.

By wpengine | May 30, 2023

Updated: Tue, 30/05/2023 Findings from a new study, which was undertaken at the request of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), due to pressure from patient groups and advocates throughout europe. Which has now highlighted potential increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in…

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Videos / Media

OACS Ireland: The Story So Far

Public Hearing on Valproate

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Patients*

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Hospital Doctors*

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For Neurologists & Psychiatrists*

Epilim (Sodium Valproate): For GPs*

*The Medication Safety Minute Team in conjunction with Dr Colin Doherty, Epileptologist in St. James’s Hospital (SJH), have produced a series of 4 videos to highlight the risks associated with sodium valproate medicines if taken during pregnancy. Each of the videos highlights key points in relation to the management of the issue from a different perspective − that of the patient, the hospital doctor, the specialist (neurologist or psychiatrist), and the GP, respectively. These videos were released during National Epilepsy Week which aims to raise awareness Epilim (Sodium Valproate) in pregnancy.