The use of antiseizure medication globally has increased significantly, but safety concerns persist, particularly regarding the drug valproate, which is linked to birth defects. A study conducted by researchers from Aston University in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the dual nature of this trend: while access to essential neurological medications is improving, the risks associated with certain prescriptions remain inadequately addressed.
The research, led by Dr. Adrienne Chan and Professor Ian Wong, analyzed the prescribing patterns of antiseizure medications across 73 countries from 2012 to 2022. Their findings indicate a rise in the availability of these medications in low- and middle-income countries, which is a positive development for patients who previously lacked treatment options. Yet, the study emphasizes that the most frequently prescribed drug, valproate, poses significant risks to unborn children when taken by pregnant women.
Valproate has been associated with severe birth defects, including spina bifida and cleft palate, as well as various neurodevelopmental disorders affecting communication, behavior, and memory. The WHO recognizes valproate as an “essential medicine,” but it has also issued guidelines advising against its use in women and girls of childbearing age due to its potential to cause fetal disorders, a growing concern on a global scale.
Need for Education and Regulation
The study underscores the urgent need for educational initiatives to raise awareness about the risks associated with valproate and to promote the prescription of safer alternatives. In many high-income nations, stricter regulations and pregnancy prevention programs have successfully reduced the use of valproate. This contrasts sharply with low- and middle-income countries, where access to newer antiseizure medications is limited, leading to higher rates of valproate prescriptions.
Dr. Chan remarked on the implications of their findings: “Our research shows that access to antiseizure medicines is expanding globally, which is good news for patients who previously had little or no treatment options. But the continued widespread use of valproate in some parts of the world is concerning, given its known risks during pregnancy.”
Future Directions for Research and Policy
The study utilized sales data from the participating countries, but the researchers emphasize that future investigations should focus on understanding specific population patterns and evaluating the implementation of safety measures across regions. This deeper analysis will help ascertain whether antiseizure medications are being prescribed appropriately to women of childbearing age, thereby assessing the risks to unborn children.
The findings of this research have been published in the journal eClinicalMedicine. As the WHO continues its efforts to promote the safe and equitable use of essential neurological medicines, the insights derived from this study will play a crucial role in shaping future health policies and educational strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.
The study highlights an essential balance: while improving access to life-saving medications is vital, ensuring that these drugs are prescribed safely is equally critical to safeguarding the health of future generations.
