General Practice actions for the safe use of Topiramate in north east London.
Topiramate is used in some patients for the treatment for epilepsy, other seizure disorders, and migraine. Exposure to topiramate in pregnancy is associated with significant harm to the unborn child, such as an increased risk of congenital malformations, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
MHRA Updates – new safety measures – pregnancy prevention programme for Topiramate prescribing:
Due to the accumulation of evidence of these harms, MHRA has issued new safety measures to further support prescribers around the safe use of topiramate in all women of childbearing potential and in pregnancy,
The use of topiramate is now contraindicated:
- in women of childbearing potential unless the conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention
Programme are fulfilled (for all indications) - in pregnancy for prophylaxis of migraine
- in pregnancy for epilepsy unless there is no other suitable treatment
To strengthen the governance relating to the safe use of topiramate, the North East London Teratogenic Medicines Safety Improvement group will provide oversight to support providers (primary and secondary care, mental health trusts) with the implementation of these new safety measures.
OptimiseRx messages have been updated to reflect this alert. Please review prescriptions and patients in line with the messages.
Please download General Practice actions in full