News & Resouces

The Latest News from OACS Ireland

OACS Ireland & Epilepsy Ireland to meet with Minister for Health regarding Epilim (Sodium Valproate) Inquiry

By wpengine | August 10, 2022

Last Updated: Wed, 10/08/2022 OACS Ireland & Epilepsy Ireland will be meeting with the Minister for Health regarding the proposed Terms of Reference into the historical licensing and prescribing of Epilim (Sodium Valproate). This drug can cause a range of disabilities…

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New study published on neurodevelopmental outcomes on prenatal exposure to AEDs

By wpengine | July 12, 2022

A new study has found that the potential neurodevelopmental impacts associated with the anti-epileptic drug (AED) Topiramate (Topamax) if prescribed during pregnancy may be more significant than previously thought. The study also found increased risks associated with other AEDs when…

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Sodium Valproate Inquiry Update.

By wpengine | June 8, 2022

Last Updated: Wed,08/06/2022 – 07:43 Epilepsy Ireland and OACS Ireland met with Department of Health officials yesterday to discuss the establishment of the long-awaited Sodium Valproate inquiry. There was an open and honest discussion about the delays in establishing the inquiry…

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Sodium Valproate Inquiry Update.

By wpengine | June 3, 2022

OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland have received an invitation from the Minister for Health to meet in order to discuss the establishment of the inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate in Ireland. We have accepted this…

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Minister for Health Questioned on establishment of promised Sodium Valproate inquiry

By wpengine | May 31, 2022

Last Updated: Thu, 26/05/2022 – 15:23 The need for the urgent establishment on the promised inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of Sodium Valproate (Epilim); alongside the need for services for families impacted; has been raised in the Dáil again…

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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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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.