A woman using a COC is prescribed sodium valproate by her neurologist for new-onset epilepsy. The neurologist did not check about contraception. What ...

Question

A woman using a COC is prescribed sodium valproate by her neurologist for new-onset epilepsy. The neurologist did not check about contraception. What should the GP do?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the woman is counselled about valproate's teratogenicity, enrolled in the Pregnancy Prevention Programme, and on highly effective contraception. The COC is effective (valproate is not an enzyme inducer) but LARC would be preferred for reliability

Answer

No action needed - valproate does not affect contraception

Answer

Switch her to carbamazepine

Answer

Stop her COC

Answer

Valproate is an enzyme inducer; switch to DMPA

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): GP Action Valproate Prescribed Without Contraception Check

A woman using a COC is prescribed sodium valproate by her neurologist for new-onset epilepsy. The neurologist did not check about contraception. What should the GP do?