Advisory
regarding usage of Epilem during pregnancy
An
example of a psychiatrist who failed to inform a patient that her medicine
could result in birth abnormalities has been provided by the Health and
Disability Commissioner.
The
medication Epilim, which is used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, caused
a lady to become pregnant.
The
medication is known to create issues during pregnancy and childbirth, but
despite the fact that her prior kid had a postpartum haemorrhage, her
psychiatrist failed to advise her of this.
The
psychiatrist had violated the Code of Consumer Rights, according to Deputy
Commissioner Rose Wall. She claimed that the episode demonstrated the value of
giving informed permission.
Wall
claimed that the investigation also demonstrated how little is known about
Epilim and other anti-seizure drugs.
The
patient was given false information about the medication's safety during
pregnancy by an obstetrician.
Especially
for those who intend to have children, the deputy commissioner suggested that
health organisations disseminate clearer information regarding Epilim and
comparable medications.
"This
example offers a chance to guarantee that knowledge about Epilim and other
teratogenic medicines is widely disseminated," Wall added.
"I
am happy to see that there has been a coordinated effort from several
organisations to ensure that there is clear information available about the
hazards of Epilim and pregnancy," the author said.
Over
the past ten years, fewer pregnant women have been prescribed Epilim, but the
work isn't finished, she said.
Even
while this decrease is heartening, she continued, "I think there is still
work to be done and I will continue to pay close attention to people's concerns
when they are raised."
The
mother claimed that although her child is normally healthy, she believes drug
exposure may have harmed his cognitive abilities.