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Valproate pregnancy prevention — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardAdverse Drug Reactions and Drug SafetyValproate pregnancy preventionGPhC CRA

A 28-year-old woman with bipolar disorder brings a repeat prescription for sodium valproate. She says she stopped contraception because she is not currently in a relationship. The pharmacy record has no recent pregnancy prevention programme documentation. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: C — do not supply without resolving pregnancy prevention programme requirements with the prescriber

Valproate has major teratogenic and neurodevelopmental risks and is subject to strict pregnancy prevention measures for people who can become pregnant. Lack of current contraception and absent documentation require urgent clarification before supply, while also avoiding abrupt interruption without specialist input. Folic acid does not mitigate valproate teratogenic risk sufficiently. The pharmacist cannot independently switch mood stabiliser therapy.

Reference: BNF; MHRA drug safety update