Anti-Epileptic Drug Linked to Birth Defects When Taken With Other Drugs

The use of topiramate, at least in combination with other anti-epileptic medications, ought to be used with caution in women who plan to become pregnant.

In an analysis of pregnancies from 1999 to 2014, in which Australian women were taking anti-epileptic drugs, fetal malformation rates fell over time in pregnancies where only one drug was taken, but rates increased in pregnancies where multiple drugs were taken.

The rise in such "polytherapy" malformation rates began around 2005 when levetiracetam and topiramate use began to increase. Malformation rates were similar in polytherapy pregnancies whether or not levetiracetam was included (7.14 percent versus 8.38 percent), but were higher in polytherapy pregnancies involving topiramate (14.94 percent versus 6.55 percent).

Anti-seizure, Painkiller Drug May Cause Birth Defects
Women who took pregabalin during the first trimester of pregnancy were three times more likely to result in major birth defects

‘The use of topiramate, at least in combination with other anti-epileptic medications, ought to be used with caution in women who plan to become pregnant.’

The findings suggest that use of topiramate in conjunction with other anti-epileptic drugs may enhance its propensity to cause fetal malformations. The mechanisms involved are currently unclear.

"Although the results are based on small numbers of patients in pregnancy, we suggest that the use of topiramate, at least in combination with other anti-epileptic medications, ought to be used with caution in women who plan to become pregnant," said Dr. Frank Vajda, lead author of the Epilepsia analysis.

Source-Eurekalert

Fathers' Age, Alcohol Use and Environmental Factors Associated With Birth Defects
A growing body of research is revealing associations between birth defects and a father's age, alcohol use and environmental factors.

Gene Mutation might be a Key Culprit Behind a Suite of Birth Defects
Genetic mutations identified, that appear to be a key culprit behind a suite of birth defects called ciliopathies, which affect an estimated 1 in 1,000 births.

No Evidence Linking Anti-Nausea Drug to Birth Defects
Women with the condition who took Zofran reported fewer miscarriages and pregnancy terminations and higher live birth rates.