The Latest News from OACS Ireland
Minister for Health to establish inquiry into historical licensing & use of Sodium Valproate in pregnancy.
OACS Ireland and Epilepsy Ireland have welcomed today’s announcement by Minister Stephen Donnelly that he will establish an inquiry into the historical licensing and use of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) in pregnancy. The Minister outlined his commitment to both patient organisations at a…
More . . .Today OACS Ireland attends meeting with Dr. Colm Henry & his colleagues.
We have accepted this invitation with Dr. Colm Henry and welcome the opportunity to discuss the many issues which are facing families impacted by Epilim (sodium valproate). We will ask him to confirm that supports are put in place to…
More . . .The MHRA #MedSafetyWeek “Every Report Counts”
The One Millionth Yellow Card report and #MedSafetyWeek – every report counts – November 2 – 8 campaign has launched today. The MHRA would like to take this opportunity to ask you to please support the campaign. The aim is to raise awareness and…
More . . .The HPRA #MedSafetyWeek – “Every Report Counts”
The Health Products Regulatory Authority, are seeking support for the fifth annual #MedSafetyWeek, which sees 74 medicine regulatory authorities across the world taking part in a social media campaign to raise awareness of suspected side effects from medicines, and the importance…
More . . .Organisation for Anticonvulsant Syndromes Ireland Annual Report.
2019 proved a landmark year for OACS Ireland. Our organisation has been in existence for just over a year but 2019 was a year of considerable progress. We were approved as a charity by the Charities Regulator which means we…
More . . .Epilepsy Ireland & OACS Ireland to meet with Minister for Health regarding Sodium Valproate.
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Epilepsy Ireland and OACS Ireland have received an invitation from the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly to meet regarding our ongoing campaign surrounding Sodium Valproate (Epilim) next Wednesday. We have accepted this invitation and welcome the opportunity…
More . . .Anticonvulsant Drug List History of dates
The dates provided above are the calendar years in which the respective active (medication) were first authorised for use in Ireland through official regulatory processes. Some of the older anticonvulsants would have been available for use in Ireland. Active substance…
More . . .Budget 2021 changes which may affect OACS Ireland members and their families
Carbon tax The carbon tax on fuel will increase by €7.50 from €26 per tonne to €33.50 per tonne. The effect of this increase will be to add approximately €2 to the cost of a tank of fuel for a patrol car…
More . . .Covid – 19 – Update OACS Ireland
All remaining counties to join Donegal and Dublin on Level 3 under Ireland’s Plan for Living with COVID-19 – https://gov.ie/…/f3d24-all-remaining-counties-to-join…/ The government has decided that, from midnight last night the 6th October, all remaining counties will be placed on Level…
More . . .OACS Ireland launch Petition raising awareness of Campaign for Independent Inquiry.
OACS Ireland have launched a new petition to raise awareness of our calls for an independent inquiry into sodium valproate (epilim). As we await correspondence from Minister Stephen Donnelly, the petition aims to increase awareness of our campaign amongst the…
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.