For immediate release
22 July 2008
Statement from NSE regarding topiramate
July 22 2008
Recent press coverage relating to the anti-epileptic drug topiramate may give rise to concern amongst mothers and women who have been prescribed it as part of their medication to control seizures. If this is so, the first step in dealing with those concerns is to discuss the situation with the prescribing or consultant physician with expertise in epilepsy, urges the National Society for Epilepsy (NSE), the UK’s leading epilepsy charity.
Consultant Neurologist Professor John Duncan, NSE’s Medical Director said: “The dangers of not taking medication and running the risk of having a seizure are generally greater than the risks associated with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). It is important to remember that the vast majority of women with epilepsy have uncomplicated pregnancies with normal deliveries and healthy children.
“It is vital for women with epilepsy to seek advice from their GPs if they are thinking of starting a family so that their drug regime can be assessed and perhaps altered to ensure the least possible risk to the developing foetus.”
.
To find out more about any aspect of epilepsy log onto www.epilepsynse.org.uk or call the NSE’s confidential helpline on 01494 601400 (Mon-Fri, 10-4pm) for a free leaflet on Pregnancy & Childcare. A second NSE website aimed specifically at medical professionals working in the field of epilepsy is at www.e-epilepsy.org.uk.
ends
Media enquiries:
Amanda Cleaver
Communications Manager 01494 601404 amanda.cleaver@epilepsynse.org.uk
NSE website press area: www.epilepsynse.org.uk/pressoffice
Notes for Editors:
Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition and affects 456,000 people in the UK, which equates to 1 in every 131.
NSE:
The National Society for Epilepsy (NSE) is the UK’s leading provider of epilepsy services. Its headquarters in Buckinghamshire provides residential care for more than 200 people with severe epilepsy and is a centre for medical research into the condition, housing the only MRI scanner in the UK dedicated solely to epilepsy. It also operates a globally unique NHS epilepsy assessment facility providing individual assessment, rehabilitation training and ground-breaking research opportunities.
NSE runs a confidential helpline from Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm and has a comprehensive range of information leaflets on many aspects of living and coping with epilepsy. In addition, the charity runs tailor-made training programmes for health professionals, employers and individuals as well as providing a comprehensive range of training and qualifications for staff members.
· NSE helpline 01494 601400
· NSE website www.epilepsynse.org.uk
Journalist of the Year award
The National Society for Epilepsy runs an annual Journalist of the Year award to promote responsible reporting about epilepsy. £500 is awarded to the winner in each of four categories: national newspapers, regional newspapers, consumer magazines and specialist publications. The awards are funded by independent actuaries and consultants Barnett Waddingham LLP.
Amanda Cleaver
Communications Manager
National Society for Epilepsy (NSE)
Registered Charity Number 206186
Tel: 01494 601404 (direct line)
E-mail: amanda.cleaver@epilepsynse.org.uk
Website: www.epilepsynse.org.uk