Be Informed
A central source to connect Australians with high quality reliable medical, research and regulatory information on the proven risk of harm associated with valproate.
The information is compiled by a qualified pharmaceutical scientist who has professional experience in pharmaceutical development, pharmaceutical business management and medication safety.
This is not an anti-medication website; it is a compilation of evidence-based high quality and official information with links to referenced source.
This initiative aims to ensure all Australians can access reliable information about sodium valproate. By raising awareness and understanding of this vital medication, we can prevent harm and poor outcomes for current and future generations.
Australia's patient safety regulations and restrictions apply considerably less caution than those of countries with which Australia has strong ties for medicine regulation; this includes European Union and a consortium with the UK, Canada, Singapore, and Switzerland who are considered "like-minded".
The website is primarily comprised of links to external sources, and is intended to promote transparency and objectivity.
Information Matters
"Bigger than Thalidomide"
Thalidomide stands as the most significant pharmaceutical scandal in history. Originally prescribed for morning sickness, it resulted in severe birth defects in the babies of those mothers who used thalidomide. The adverse effects impacted numerous nations. Australia experiencing particular difficulties as the drug remained available in community for a prolonged time due to the lackadaisical response by the Department of Health. In 2023, the Australian government initiated a compensation program and allocated funds for supplementary healthcare requirements. The drug was withdrawn from the market in 1962, and it took more than six decades for the authorities to take adequately recognise the harm.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (professional organisation for pharmacists in the UK) has stated about valproate that "every baby is at risk and the scale of the issue, and the harm caused, is bigger than Thalidomide"
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We pay respect to past and present elders & traditional owners of Dharug Country upon whose land this website is maintained. We honour Indigenous peoples as the first and rightful custodians of country throughout all Australian territory.
Every effort has been made to provide independent information from high quality sources. No responsibility is taken for any consequences where a person relies upon any information or link from this website. Individuals are responsible for their own due diligence. The information on this site is not comprehensive.