Topiramate: ANSM warns pregnant women of possible risks

Topiramate, a drug used against epileptic seizures, would be extremely dangerous during pregnancy, as it would cause, in particular, intellectual and physical disorders in the fetus.

In a recent statement, ANSM warns pregnant women:

In pregnant women (…)Topiramate should not be used in epilepsy unless absolutely necessary.

ANSM

Topiramate: a danger to the fetus during pregnancy

Topiramate, sold under the brand name Epitomax by the Janssen laboratory, but also in the form of generics, is usually prescribed by healthcare professionals for seizures or severe migraines.

Already in 2019, the pharmaceutical authority had warned the population of the disorders that this drug would cause to the fetus, such as the risk of malformations – cleft lip, poor positioning of the urethra on the penis – or the risk of having a birth weight.

But if theANSM also insists this year on the fact that the consumption of topiramate is dangerous for pregnant people, this is because a Scandinavian study, published in the journal JAMA neurologypublished worrying data: the risk of intellectual disorders in fetuses exposed to this drug had almost quadrupled, as did the risk of autism disorders.

For pregnant people, the consumption of this drug would therefore have very serious consequences, e the pharmaceutical authority invites women who are pregnant, or who intend to be, to contact their doctor to evaluate their possibilities.

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