Valproate Update
Valproate Update for dispensers
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB would like to update pharmacy contractors, dispensing doctors and their teams around the latest guidance around dispensing valproate containing medicines.
To support the supply of patient information leaflets, all valproate containing products have been reclassified as special containers from October 2023, and the Human Medicines Regulations 2023 now mandate full pack dispensing of all licensed medicines containing valproate (with exemptions). Please see the information provided by Community Pharmacy England for more information.
In response to the November 2024 patient safety alert, the LLR ICB is updating local processes around the management of patients on valproate and will provide an update when new processes have been agreed. Currently, to keep patients taking valproate safe, please:
- Familiarise you and your teams with the information contained in the December 2024 Drug Safety Update.
- Ensure the actions outlined in the Direct Healthcare Professional Communication from the marketing authorisation holders of valproate containing medicines are followed when dispensing valproate containing medicines.
- Ensure products are always dispensed with a copy of the latest package leaflet and patient card to female patients.
- Patients have access to the latest Valproate Patient Guide.
- Discard any previous valproate educational materials (dated November 2021 or earlier), and ensure patients have access to the latest Pregnancy Prevention Programme materials.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the LLR ICB Medicines Optimisation Team via llricb-llr.medicinesoptimisation@nhs.net