NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENCICB) wants you to share your thoughts on valproate and topiramate if you are currently taking or have previously taken these medicines.
These are medicines which can help with epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraines (topiramate only).
NHS North East and North Cumbria would like to understand:
- If you felt like you understood the risks when you started taking valproate or topiramate
- How they can improve the way to prescribe them.
This survey is for people who live in North East England or North Cumbria. NENCICB would like to hear your views if you are:
- Aged 13 or over
- You are taking valproate
- You are taking topiramate and are female, trans-male or non-binary or assigned female at birth
- You have taken one of these medicines or are still taking them now
- You have thought about taking one of these medicines
- You care for someone who takes one of these medicines
- You are from an organisation which supports people who may take these medicines.
Share your experience of talking about these medicines if:
- You could get pregnant or could get someone pregnant and take valproate
- You could get pregnant and take topiramate.
Participants can complete as much or as little of the survey as they wish. If you choose to answer all questions, it will take approximately 15 minutes. The survey is anonymous, and no names are requested. It will remain open until February 28.
If you’re taking valproate, there is a risk of pregnancy, either by becoming pregnant yourself or by fathering a child.
Similarly, if you’re taking topiramate, pregnancy is a potential risk. These medications can be harmful if taken during pregnancy.
These medicines can harm a developing baby, leading to physical or learning disabilities, or both. It is crucial to use highly effective contraception while taking these medications, such as using two forms of birth control, to reduce the risk.
There are several people you can consult for advice about your medication, including your pharmacist, GP, doctor or nurse.
If you have any questions or need further help to complete the survey, please contact Jo Whaley, Involvement Lead, NHS North East and North Cumbria, at necsu.icb.involvement@nhs.net or or 0191 2172806.
Please complete the survey here or scan the QR code below.
