Lepsio Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Usage in Pregnancy: Since valproic acid has been associated with certain types of birth defects, female patients of childbearing age considering the use of valproic acid should be advised of the risks associated with the use of valproic acid during pregnancy. Antiepileptic drugs should not be discontinued abruptly in patients in whom the drug is administered to prevent major seizures because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and threat to life. In individual cases where the severity and frequency of the seizure disorder are such that the removal of medication does not pose a serious threat to the patient, discontinuation of the drug may be considered prior to and during pregnancy. However, if cannot be said with any confidence that even minor seizures do not pose some hazard to the developing embryo or fetus.
Women of childbearing potential: Because of the risk to the fetus of major congenital malformations (including neural tube defects) valproic acid should be considered for women of childbearing potential only after the risks have been thoroughly discussed with the patient and weighed against the potential benefits of treatment.
Breast-feeding: Valproate is excreted in breast milk. Concentrations in breast milk have been reported to be 1-10% of serum concentrations. It is not known what effect this would have on a nursing infant. Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing when valproic acid is administered to a nursing woman (see Use in Pregnancy previously).