A 24-year-old woman with epilepsy presents a repeat for sodium valproate 500 mg twice daily. She says she is planning pregnancy next year and has not

Question

A 24-year-old woman with epilepsy presents a repeat for sodium valproate 500 mg twice daily. She says she is planning pregnancy next year and has not discussed contraception or alternatives recently. What monitoring is required?

Accepted Answer

Supply if clinically appropriate but urgently refer to prescriber for specialist review and Pregnancy Prevention Programme discussion

Answer

Supply a shorter quantity and remove warning materials

Answer

Advise taking folic acid and continuing without further review

Answer

Change valproate to lamotrigine after checking stock

Answer

Refuse supply immediately and advise stopping valproate today

Valproate reproductive safety — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 24-year-old woman with epilepsy presents a repeat for sodium valproate 500 mg twice daily. She says she is planning pregnancy next year and has not discussed contraception or alternatives recently. What monitoring is required?