Assure Pregnancy Test is Negative
LexiComp (2016) places valproic acid in Category X for migraine prophylaxis and Category D for all other indications when assessing Pregnancy Risk Factors. For medications that are in either category X or D, it is strongly recommended that pregnancy screening be performed in females of child bearing age.
At Children’s Mercy child bearing potential is defined as:
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Greater to or equal to 10 years of age.
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Onset of menses.
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Physical findings evident of the onset of puberty.
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Sexual activity or assault that could lead to pregnancy.
These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.