The Latest News from OACS Ireland
OACS Ireland Annual Report 2020
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.
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).
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
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
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
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”
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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On the fourth day of #EpilepsyWeek, we focus on the families who have been impacted by Sodium Valproate (Epilim)
On the fourth day of #EpilepsyWeek, we focus on the families who have been impacted by Sodium Valproate (Epilim). As a result of being exposed to Valproate in utero, families are caring for children with a range of disabilities –…
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Today as part of #EpilepsyWeek, we focus on the need for a Stakeholder Group !
DAY 3 #EpilepsyWeek Today as part of #EpilepsyWeek, we focus on the need for a stakeholder group to be established by the Minister to review and strengthen the risk reduction measures around Sodium Valproate (Epilim). There are currently approximately 1,700…
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On the second day of #EpilepsyWeek we speak about the urgent need for Epilepsy Nurse Specialists !
On the second day of #EpilepsyWeek, we continue our focus on the various elements of our campaign around Sodium Valproate(Epilim). Today we are highlighting how measures must be put in place to help ensure no family is impacted by Sodium…
More . . .Downloads & Resources
Links to Website Resources
- OACS Facebook Group
- OACS YouTube Channel
- OACS UK Charity
- Epilepsy Ireland
- Irish Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register
- Irish Family Planning Association
- Birth Control (HSE Website)
- Valproate (Epilim) Patient Booklet (HPRA)
- EMA – Information & reviews on Valproate
- Valproate Information(HSE Website)
- Meeting highlights from PRAC
Download Resources
- OACS Ireland Leaflet
- National Conference on the Consequences of Sodium Valproate
- Joint Committee on Health Report on Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome
- Valproate (Epilim) is a medicine licensed in Ireland to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder
- 2019 Neurology Referral Specialist
- HSE Report on prenatal exposure
- 2018 Sodium Valproate who knew what and when
- 2019 Videos from the National Conference on Sodium Valproate
- 2018 FACS Forum welcomes HSE’s plans to contact patients directly regarding Sodium Valproate
- 2019 Study identifies the risk of malformations associated with prenatal exposure to 10 epilepsy drugs
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.