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Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador
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| Drug Alert Notices | |
Valproate May Lead To Ovulatory Problems
Women with epilepsy taking the anti-epileptic drug valproate may have an increased risk of having menstrual cycles where they do not ovulate, according to research published in the journal Annals of Neurology.
The study showed that the epilepsy itself caused such problems, but this was worsened for women taking valproate.
Researchers, led by Dr Martha Morrell of Columbia University in New York, studied 59 women with location-related epilepsy, 35 women with idiopathic generalised epilepsy and 23 women without the condition.
Anovulatory cycles - menstrual cycles where no ovulation happens - happened in 10.9 per cent of cycles amongst the women without epilepsy, in 14.3 per cent of cycles amongst the women with localisation-related epilepsy and in 27.1 per cent of cycles amongst the women with idiopathic generalised epilepsy.
The study comments women with epilepsy are more likely to experience anovulatory menstrual cycles and the effects of epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs may be additive. Women taking valproate were at highest risk for anovulatory cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and weight gain.
The researchers advise doctors to be alert to these complications.
Epilepsy Action News, January 8, 2003
Disclaimer
The materials contained on the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador website are to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. The information presented is not intended as medical or legal advice. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, its employees, board members, medical advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for the consequences from the use of the information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in either a direct or indirect form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the condition prescribed.
