Description

In this codelist we aim to identify teratogenic drugs. A teratogen is a substance that can cause abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus.

The CQC routinely review the use of the following drugs, in female patients between the age of 8 and 55 years old Valproate Carbimazole Modafinil Pregabalin Topiramate.

There are other drugs that are considered teratogenic but only these five are considered here.

Methodology

Methodology Searched for the following terms: Sodium Valproate / Valproic acid Modafinil / Pregabalin / Carbimazole / Topiramate

Excluded Parenteral preparations such as sodium valporate as an infusiion

Borderline Cases Nil

References MHRA - Valproate use by women and girls MHRA - Carbimazole is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations MHRA: Topiramate safety review - increased risk of congenital malformations and effects on fetal growth if used during pregnancy MHRA: Modafinil - increased risk of congenital malformations if used during pregnancy MHRA: Pregabalin - increased risk of physical birth abnormalities in the baby

References

• MHRA - Valproate use by women and girls
• MHRA - Carbimazole is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations
• MHRA: Topiramate safety review - increased risk of congenital malformations and effects on fetal growth if used during pregnancy
• MHRA: Modafinil - increased risk of congenital malformations if used during pregnancy
• MHRA: Pregabalin - increased risk of physical birth abnormalities in the baby

Signed off by

• Vicky Speed, (Dec. 5, 2022)
• Chris Wood, (Dec. 5, 2022)