Help now available for serious risk to babies

Media Release for Monday 9 February 2015

Date: 9 February 2015

Press Release: Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand

Headline: Help now available for serious risk to babies

A new organisation has launched today, which aims to raise awareness of serious birth defects from common epilepsy medications.

Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand has been set up to offer support, education, awareness and prevention advice to GPs and specialists, and families alike, about the effects of anti-epilepsy medicines and the health on unborn babies. It is also a place where people, families, communities and interested parties, who have been affected by the anti-epilepsy medication, can come for support and education.

“We’re concerned that so many New Zealand doctors are still prescribing these medicines to women who might get pregnant or already are pregnant,” says FACS NZ director Denise Astill. “We’re also worried that many girls and women of child-bearing age don’t know the risks.”

Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome is a preventable condition caused by pregnant women taking an anti-epileptic drug, which is commonly prescribed for epilepsy and other conditions.

“Research shows that up to four in ten babies exposed to Sodium Valproate in the womb will have significant cognitive and/or physical disabilities.” “One in 20 babies exposed to Sodium Valproate in the womb will have significant social-communication difficulties, such as autism.”

“So we are calling on GPs and specialists to educate themselves on the different Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndromes, and anti-epileptic medication, so they can provide women and girls with current information to make an informed decision around whether or not to become pregnant.”

Mrs Astill drew on her own experience in setting up FACS NZ as she has had to lead the pathway throughout the diagnosis, support, education of medical professionals, and obtaining ACC Treatment Injury with her own twin daughters’ who have a diagnosis of Foetal Valproate Syndrome.

“It was devastating to learn that medicine I’d been prescribed had harmed my daughters. Therefore FACS NZ aims to do everything we can to make sure this doesn’t happen to other families, whilst supporting those who have been affected.” “FACS NZ aims to be a bright, friendly, factual place to come for anyone with questions and requiring support.”

Sodium Valproate has been on the market in New Zealand since 1975. Up to 40% of babies exposed to Sodium Valproate in the womb will be born with significant cognitive and/or physical disabilities, up to 6% will have neurodevelopment difficulties such as Autism, and 29% will require additional educational support due to lower IQ. These disabilities are clinically linked with Foetal Valproate Syndrome. On an international and local scale, this is more widespread than the 1960’s drug Thalidomide, which involved 2000 babies being born with abnormalities.

There is such a concern that the European Medicines Agency has strengthened warnings of Sodium Valproate use in pregnancy and the need for effective contraception advice.

FACS NZ recommend pregnant women taking Sodium Valproate get immediate advice from their specialist and DO NOT STOP TAKING THEIR MEDICATION.

You can find out more at: Website: www.facsnz.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/facsnz, or Email: denise@facsnz.com

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