Longitudinal Australian trends in valproate initiation among women of reproductive age and concurrent prescription contraceptive use

This population-based cohort study analyzed Australian prescription data from 2013-2021 and found that valproate initiation in women aged 15-49 years declined substantially while alternative anti-seizure medications increased, reflecting heightened awareness of reproductive risks. Although contraceptive coverage among valproate-treated women improved, nearly 70% had no prescription contraception coverage in 2021, indicating ongoing gaps in pregnancy prevention strategies.