A 28-year-old woman with epilepsy requests sodium valproate. She says she is sexually active, not using contraception and has not heard of a

Question

A 28-year-old woman with epilepsy requests sodium valproate. She says she is sexually active, not using contraception and has not heard of a pregnancy prevention programme. Her seizure control has been stable. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Escalate to the prescriber before supply unless the required pregnancy-prevention safeguards are confirmed.

Answer

Advise buying folic acid and no further action is required.

Answer

Supply as usual because seizure control takes priority over pregnancy status.

Answer

Supply one week and ask her to arrange review within six months.

Answer

Switch the prescription to levetiracetam after discussing teratogenicity.

Valproate pregnancy prevention — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 28-year-old woman with epilepsy requests sodium valproate. She says she is sexually active, not using contraception and has not heard of a pregnancy prevention programme. Her seizure control has been stable. What is the most appropriate action?