Prof. Shlomo Vinker represented WONCA Europe in the process of evaluating the potential risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to men treated with valproate medicines. The corresponding recommendations have been published on European Medicine Agency EMA website.
The concept that male paternal exposure may cause risk for the conceived child is interesting and challenging to communicate with our patients. Valproate is used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorders, and, in some EU countries, migraine. Family physicians should be aware of this risk, inform male patients who are taking valproate about the possible risk, and discuss the need to consider effective contraception.
Prof. Vinker had been invited to the project as part of the long-lasting cooperation between WONCA Europe and EMA