News & Resouces

The Latest News from OACS Ireland

Outstanding Valproate Commitments raised in Dáil and media.

By Karen | May 20, 2022

Last Updated: Fri, 20/05/2022 – 07:17 In the Dáil last week, Deputy Pearse Doherty raised the need for the establishment of the promised inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate (Epilim). https://bit.ly/3PAeWmo We and our colleagues in Epilepsy Ireland…

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UK media coverage outlines why outstanding valproate related commitments must be prioritised in Ireland

By wpengine | April 20, 2022

Last Updated: Wed, 20/04/2022 – 08:23 An in-depth feature in this week’s Sunday Times (UK) has highlighted the ongoing plight of families who have been impacted by Sodium Valproate (Epilim), their fight for redress to be provided by the British state…

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The HPRA #MedSafetyWeek RE-COVID-19

By oacsireland | November 1, 2021

This year’s, annual #MedSafetyWeek the HPRA global social media campaign which stakeholders have been asked to support on social media throughout this week-long campaign from 1- 7 November 2021 is all about COVID-19 vaccines side effects (Adverse Drug Reactions). #MedSafetyWeek is…

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OACS Ireland Annual Report 2020

By Karen | October 16, 2021

Below you will find the OACS Ireland Annual Report 2020 https://bit.ly/3lK4Q5F

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New Irish study finds that ‘continued effort is needed’ in reducing valproate risks.

By Karen | September 17, 2021

A new study which investigated the awareness, knowledge, and practice of healthcare professionals in implementing the Sodium Valproate (Epilim) Pregnancy Prevention Program (PPP) has been published in the medical journal Expert Opinion on Drug Safety. The study was conducted by researchers…

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OACS Ireland & Epilepsy Ireland urge the Minister to act on his promise for a fast & fair inquiry into the Historical use of Epilim (Sodium Valproate).

By wpengine | August 12, 2021

It has been 46 years since the granting of the license of Epilim (Sodium Valproate) in Ireland. The overwhelming impact it has had on families clearly evident. OACS Ireland families have been dealt a dreadful hand in life, and it…

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The Sodium Valproate (Epilim) Campaign

By Karen | July 16, 2021

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh speech. In the Dáil, Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh raised the ongoing delays surrounding details of the promised inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) in Ireland. The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly confirmed…

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The 2022 Update on the HSE Community Operation

By oacsireland | June 22, 2021

Families that have received a diagnosis of Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder/Syndrome (FVS/D) before 2021. The Office of Dr. Colm Henry stated that all families who have previously received a diagnosis of Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder/Syndrome (FVS/D), WILL NOT be required…

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Sodium Valproate (Epilim) – Matters for your TD/Senator

By Karen | June 21, 2021

As you know, OACS Ireland alongside our colleagues in Epilepsy Ireland are continuing to keep the pressure on Government regarding the many outstanding matters surrounding Sodium Valproate (Epilim). The establishment of an inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of…

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“The Epilim (Sodium Valproate) Dublin Protest by parents & children impacted by the drug”

By Karen | June 2, 2021

OACS Ireland is a voluntary organisation that supports families who have been impacted by the drug Epilim (Sodium Valproate. Epilepsy Ireland is the national patient organisation supporting and representing people with epilepsy and their families. OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland…

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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.