From 1 April eight anti-seizure medicines will be subject to a cautionary advisory label, warning of the risks associated with taking them during pregnancy. This is the first time a pharmacist-added pregnancy cautionary advisory label has been added to any medicine in New Zealand.
The cautionary advisory label is similar to the pregnancy warning labels found on other products that have the potential to cause harm to unborn babies. It is the result of the Ministry of Health's ongoing work with Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand (FACSNZ) to raise awareness of, and prevent, Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome (FACS).
Anti-seizure medicines are used for managing seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, as well as for migraines, supporting mood stabilisation, and managing nerve pain. Taking them during pregnancy can result in FACS which may include physical malformation in babies, including spina bifida, heart defects, or cleft palate. Babies with FACS can also have developmental and learning difficulties, including autism and ADHD.
Cautionary advisory labels provide clear, visible warnings and are a daily reminder of the risks associated with these medicines. The cautionary advisory label, applied to a medicine by a pharmacist, will help to reinforce the information patients receive about their medicines from their doctor.
Audrey Sonerson Director-General of Health says, "For many people, their local pharmacy is their most frequent point of contact with the health system.
