New valproate safety measures from January

Audit workstreams requested

Control over the prescribing and dispensing of valproate medications will be enhanced from January with the introduction of new measures.

A National Patient Safety Alert sets out that from January, oral valproate medicines must not be started in new patients (male or female) younger than 55 years, unless there are specialist opinions to the contrary.

In addition, women of childbearing potential should be asked to sign a revised valproate risk acknowledgement form, and attend a specialist annual review.

Legislation came into effect on October 11 requiring all valproate based medicines to be dispensed in original manufacturer packs.

The new measures also call on providers to set up a valproate safety group to implement measures including the following:

Commission work if necessary to understand the needs of the affected population, including those people most at risk of health inequalities.
Review the results of local audit(s) of compliance with the existing PPP measuresfor girls and women of childbearing potential prescribed valproate.

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