The UFC-Que-Choisir and the ANSM warn of the increased risk of malformation and neurodevelopmental disorders of the baby exposed during pregnancy due to certain drugs prescribed for migraines or epileptic seizures.
Future moms, be careful. Among the drugs available, some significantly increase the risk of baby malformations and neurodevelopmental disordersrecalls the consumer defense association UFC-Que-Choisir. This risk has been reassessed upwards by the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM).
What drugs are involved?
Topiramate (Epitomax), used for chronic migraines, pregabalin (Lyrica) used for generalized anxiety disorder and neuropathic pain, and valproate (Depakote, Depamide) for bipolar disorder.
A baby exposed to topiramate before birth will beit three times more at risk of autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disability, compared to a baby whose mother has untreated epilepsy. Pregabalin exposes you to malformations.
Capital also cites a study, published in the JAMA Neurol May 31, 2022 and relating to antiepileptic drugs in general, carried out on 4.5 million mothers-children between 1996 and 2017. The latter indeed reveals a risk of occurrence of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability multiplied by 3 in children whose mother with epilepsy was exposed to topiramate during pregnancy.
Risks of autistic disorders and malformations
The National Medicines Safety Agency has asked “that these data and their potential consequences on the use of these medicines be evaluated at European level”.
Note: the ANSM also warns of a risk of “loss of effectiveness” of the contraceptive pill in women exposed to topiramate during pregnancy.