OACS Charity
Support for families living with Fetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome Find out more →
Support, recognition, and improved services for families touched by Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndromes.
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Information, community, and resources for families affected by Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndromes.
How We Can Help
We are here to support all families touched by Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndromes (FACS). OACS exists to ensure that people living with FACS and their families experience better recognition, improved public health services, and support. It is not yet understood why some children are affected and not others, but it is believed to be linked to a genetic disposition.
FVS — Foetal Valproate Syndrome is a range of devastating birth defects that can occur from taking an anti-epilepsy or other drug containing valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy. Despite studies dating back to the 1980s, both industry and national governments across the world were slow to act on overwhelming evidence of the harm these drugs, including Epilim, can cause.
Have you had your Annual Valproate Review from your GP or Neurologist?
If you have not, please contact your healthcare professional for a medication review.
Do not stop taking your medication without talking to an epilepsy healthcare specialist.
#FirstDoNoHarm
We welcome the review report and thank them for the commitment to finding the truth and putting together comprehensive changes to health and social care.
What we should remember is this is just the beginning. For any justice for our children we require a task force — with at least one representative from each patient group — to set up a redress scheme covering social care, health, education, and securing a financial future for all victims past and present. Until this is achieved, we will carry on fighting.
The information provided by OACS is to empower those taking anti-convulsant medicines to make informed choices about medication used during pregnancy. It is important to speak to your doctor before choosing to stop or changing any medication.
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