It is not known if Vimpat causes birth defects in humans. This means that women who are thinking of getting pregnant or are pregnant should talk to their doctor about use of this medicine. The benefits of the medicine and how they compare to potential risks should be discussed. We don't yet have enough information to be able to estimate the risk of various types of birth defects that might occur if Vimpat is taken during pregnancy. We also don't know enough to compare the risk with Vimpat to the risk with other seizure medicines. The risk of birth defects is generally higher for women who take more than one seizure medicine and for women with a family history of birth defects.
Women who are capable of becoming pregnant should take at least 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid (folate) daily to help prevent a type of birth defect involving spine abnormalities. Women at high risk, such as those with a history of this kind of defect in a previous pregnancy, should take 4000 mcg (4 mg) daily, beginning before they become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about what dose of folic acid is best for you.
About 20% to 35% of women have seizures more often during pregnancy because of changes in hormones or changes in how their seizure medicine is handled by the body. The doctor may recommend checking the level of medication in the blood regularly during pregnancy so that the dose can be adjusted as needed.
How much Vimpat is passed through breast milk is not known for certain, but the way the body uses it suggests that probably a large portion may enter the milk. If you want to breast-feed your baby, check with your doctor about what seizure medicine would be best for you.
