Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust
Press Release
Issued: 21st June 2013
For Release: After 1pm 23rd January 2013
Contact : Mrs Emma Murphy 07714-611462 or emmafacs016@gmail.com
http://facsa.org.uk/
THE FIGHT TO PROVE DAMAGES CAUSED BY SODIUM VALPROATE HAS ARRIVED
PANORAMA – DRUGS IN PREGNANCY : Monday 24th June 2013 20:30
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b036fddg
Since the drug Sodium Valproate (Epilim) appeared on the market in the late 1970’s, there has
been numerous medical journals and research papers released discussing it’s dangers and the
damages it may cause when taken during pregnancy, and in some cases has been named as the
New Thalidomide.
The drug Sodium Valproate was introduced onto the UK market in 1973 and became the ‘drug of
choice’ for clinicians during the 80’s, 90’s and into the 00’s. Since its introduction a large number of
children have been born to women with Epilepsy taking this drug with numerous difficulties and
abnormalities diagnosed as Fetal Valproate Syndrome (FVS), under the umbrella of Fetal AntiConvulsant Syndromes (FACS).
However, the drug is no longer just being prescribed for Epilepsy, but is now given for a range of
neurological problems such as Bipolar, Migraine Headaches and Pain Relief. In the UK alone over
1300 children are diagnosed with Fetal Valproate Syndrome each year. As the drug has been on the
market for over 35 years, this means there may be around 45,000 people affected by this drug
costing the UK Government millions of pounds each year in health care, education, social services
and benefits for the families whose children have been affected.
The first report which involved children being affected by Sodium Valproate (Epilim) was published
in 1981, written by H Nau entitled ‘Valproic Acid and its Metabolites’.
The problems being caused by Sodium Valproate were noted in the 80’s by the Medicines &
Healthcare Regulator Agency (MHRA) and the drug was closely watched, with the definitive journal
paper appearing in 1995 stating there was such a syndrome. The paper was written by geneticists at
St Marys Hospital in Manchester and was entitled ‘Fetal Valproate Syndrome’ clearly outlining all the
problems which the children were suffering from. Over the years there has been a large number of
journal papers reporting on valproate in pregnancy with an accumulation of data released recently
highlighting an association between prenatal exposure to the drug and altered child
neurodevelopment.
The Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust (IN-FACT) want a system set up to support damaged
children on an annual basis as lives have been ruined by a medication designed to make life better
for women with Epilepsy. We would also like to see women taking medications during pregnancy
able to make a more informed choice and so insist on a better detailed system providing advice.
As a Trust, at the moment we are only working with raising the issues concerning the drug Sodium
Valproate (Epilim), however there are 9 other drugs on the market which also cause Fetal AntiConvulsant Syndrome (FACS).
The Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust (IN-FACT) which was launched in November 2012 by
Janet Williams and Emma Murphy. IN-FACT will be interlinked with the FACS Syndrome Association
(FACSA) also set up by Janet and Emma to support the families affected so that they will only have to
register once. Working with 5 Medical Advisors experienced in this field, together with the support
of the Thalidomide Campaign Team, IN-FACT intends to push on with its Campaign for compensation
from both the drug company Sanof and the Government for the affected people enabling them to
lead a more productive life.
A petition has been launched with 38 Degrees called “Drug Justice”:
http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/make-pharmanceutical-companies-pay-for-their-mistakes
This is to ensure companies such as Sanofi and Grunthenthal are held accountable for the damage
they have caused to thousands of children/adults.
Notes to Editors
1. The FACS Syndrome Association (FACSA) was set up in November 2012 alongside IN-FACT to
become interlinked so that families would only have to register once.
2. A range of photos and information are available upon request.