February 5th 2024
By Ailsa Colquhoun
Resources to support valproate dispensing
New safety and education materials
The MHRA has published a range of resources to support safe prescribing and dispensing of valproate products.
Materials are all available on the MHRA website and include:
- Pharmacy poster - Provides important actions for pharmacists dispensing valproate to female patients.
- Patient card - Provides key information for female patients receiving valproate on contraception and pregnancy prevention.
- Warning stickers - To be added to packaging of medicine in exceptional circumstances where the original pack cannot be dispensed.
- Patient guide - Provides those taking valproate (or their parent, caregiver, or responsible person) with information on the risks of valproate in pregnancy and the risks to male patients and what they need to do.
- Healthcare Professional Guide - Provides updated information for healthcare professionals on the risks of valproate in pregnancy and the risks for male patients, the new conditions for valproate prescribing and key points for patient discussions.
The resources also include an Annual Risk Acknowledgement Form for female patients starting valproate and at annual review and Risk Acknowledgement Form for male patients starting valproate.
Further guidance is also available from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
