2 February 2024 – On 24 January 2024, the Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures (CMDh) endorsed precautionary measures recommended by the European Medicines Agency Safety Committee for the treatment of male patients with valproate medicines. These measures are to address a potential increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to men treated with valproate during the 3 months before conception. Valproate medicines are used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorders and, in some EU countries, migraine. It is recommended that valproate treatment in male patients is started and supervised by a specialist in the management of epilepsy, bipolar disorder or migraine. Doctors should inform male patients who are taking valproate about the possible risk and discuss the need to consider effective contraception, for both the patient and their female partner.

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