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Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador
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| Drug Alert Notices | |
Study Suggests Valproic Acid May Increase Risk Of Cancer In Women
Women taking hormone treatments or the contraceptive pill and the anti-epileptic drug valproic acid may be at an increased risk of developing cancer, according to new research.
Researchers from Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina have also identified a compound in certain industrial solvents used in items such as photographic film, quick-drying varnishes and nail polish that may increase oestrogen and progestin activity inside cells to a level where they may trigger reproductive failures or breast cancers.
The study's authors suggest that oestrogen and progestin alone may not be the sole triggers for the increased risk of breast cancers in post-menopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy. Rather, it may be that select women who are exposed to hormone-sensitising compounds are put at higher risk for cancer and cardiovascular events.
The researchers comment that there may be "dozens or even hundreds" of similar compounds throughout the environment that can sensitise cells in the body to hormones such as oestrogen, progestin and even testosterone.
Lead author Michelle Jansen, pharmacology research associate at Duke, said:
"Our study demonstrates that these chemicals boost the activity of oestrogens and progestins inside cells eight- to 10-fold. This data should prompt caution for patients who are exposed to either of these chemical compounds while taking any oestrogen-or progesterone-containing medications, such as hormone therapy, oral contraceptives or tamoxifen for breast cancer."
Dr Morgan Feely, a member of the Epilepsy Action's Clinical Advisory Group, told BBC News Online that it was important that people continue taking epilepsy medication:
"There could be dire consequences if a scare caused people to stop taking their medication The experts need a lot more time to weigh things up, and then if there are still questions it might be that people will need talk to their doctor about possible alternatives.
"There are a lot of studies suggesting possible causes for cancer, and people should certainly not rush into anything on the back of one study."
Epilepsy Action News, April 22, 2004
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.
