22-07-2025
Inquiry begins into prescribing of anti-epilepsy drug
An inquiry has begun into the historical prescribing of an anti-epilepsy drug which can cause birth defects if used during pregnancy.
The non-statutory inquiry into the use of sodium valproate, sold under the brand name Epilim, is scheduled to last between 12 and 18 months.
It is estimated over 1,000 children have been impacted in Ireland since the 1970s.
The inquiry, which will be chaired by barrister Bríd O'Flaherty, will be divided into a number of strands.
The first will be the review phase, which will establish a timeline of the use of the drug including information on safety and regulation.
The Department of Health said the inquiry will have responsibility to request documentation from a range of stakeholders and will be obliged to record any difficulties where such requests are refused.
The second phase will be made up of oral statements from affected families.
These sessions will be held in private.
Other phases will focus on assessing the health services' current capacity to respond to safety issues related to the use of anti-seizure medications in women.
The department said necessary data regulations were passed last week in the Dáil and Seanad.
Families have been campaigning for years for an inquiry to be held and have welcomed the fact that it began today.
The department has previously said sodium valproate is an effective medication for some and those taking it should not make any changes to treatment without first discussing it with their doctor.
The department has also previously said while sodium valproate is an effective and essential treatment for some patients, it can cause birth defects, neurodevelopmental disorders and autism in children whose mothers take such medicines during pregnancy.
