Ministry Working With FACSNZ To Raise Awareness Of Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome

The Ministry of Health is working with Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand (FACSNZ) to raise awareness of the risks associated with taking anti-seizure and mood stabilising medicines during pregnancy.

Today the Ministry of Health has launched new tools, including an animation and lived-experience videos, to help educate people about the importance of talking to their doctor about the medicines they take. This includes understanding the potential risks associated with some medicines during pregnancy.

Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome (FACS) affects some babies who are exposed to anti-seizure or mood stabilising medicines during pregnancy. Babies with FACS are born with physical or developmental impairments, including spina bifida, heart defects, or cleft palate. The medicines can also cause developmental difficulties, including autism, ADHD, and other learning problems.

The Ministry estimates thousands of people are currently taking these medicines for a range of health issues, including for epilepsy, to support mental health, or to manage chronic pain.

Dr Jin Russell, Chief Clinical Advisor at the Ministry of Health, says “These medicines are regularly prescribed for epilepsy, migraines, and for managing mental health issues. However, it’s important that people know all the facts and have regular conversations with their doctor - it’s that simple.

“We are also reminding healthcare providers to be vigilant with the information they provide to their patients. It’s important these conversations take place early and there are high levels of understanding amongst patients when they are young. This is really important for FACS prevention.”

Jacqueline Morris, Chairperson, FACSNZ Charitable Trust, says “All anti-seizure medicines can carry a risk to an unborn baby. That is why it is so important you get informed consent and choice prior to getting pregnant.”

Despite shifts in prescribing over the last 10 years and increased awareness of the potential harms from the medicines during pregnancy, there are still a significant number of pregnant women taking them today.

The Ministry is asking everyone who takes an anti-seizure or mood stabilising medicine to:

• Talk to your doctor once a year.
• Make sure you have all the facts – know that the medicines you take could harm your baby.
• Don’t stop taking your medicines - keep taking them and talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

The Ministry has also developed information for healthcare providers to remind them of the importance of ensuring their patients are well-informed.

Further information:

Animation for young people:

It's important that you have all the facts - Understanding your medicines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHmzDVnZ5h0

Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome lived experience videos:

• Jacki's story - Our journey with FACS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af89KdMSAFQ
• Jackie's story - The impact of FACS on our whānau - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcMXcx7d87o
• Alicia's story - Understanding my medicines - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulc3vd4flQ0

Healthify: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/f/fetal-anticonvulsant-syndrome-prevention

Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand: https://www.facsnz.com/

Epilepsy medicines and pregnancy: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/educational-material/Epilepsy-medicines-and-pregnancy.pdf

Goodfellow Unit Podcast with Dr Jamie Speeden: https://www.goodfellowunit.org/podcast/foetal-anti-convulsant-syndrome

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