I would appreciate your advice on a sensitive matter please. I have a history of epilepsy and I was prescribed Epilim while pregnant. My son was recently diagnosed with autism and a family member with a medical background mentioned that there could be a link between my son’s diagnosis and taking Epilim during my pregnancy. My question is, have you come across this in your legal experience. I understand that you work in the area of medical negligence.
Thank you for your letter. I can confirm that a legal case similar to your situation was litigated before the Courts in recent years. In that case, it was alleged that a neurologist failed to properly inform the child’s mother about the risks of taking an epilepsy treatment drug, Epilim, during pregnancy. The case was settled for a significant eight figure sum. Epilim is a brand name for a medication called sodium valproate (also known as valproic acid), which is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that exposure to sodium valproate during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects, heart defects, limb abnormalities, and developmental delays. In 2018, an investigation by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) found that over 1,200 children in Ireland may have been affected by sodium valproate since the 1970s. The investigation also found that there were significant gaps in the information provided to patients and Consultant Neurologists about the risks associated with the drug during pregnancy.
In Ireland, there have been a number of legal cases involving the use of Epilim (sodium valproate) during pregnancy. If you have concerns regarding your own situation, please feel free to contact me for
further advice, I will be happy to speak with you in confidence.