French regulator ANSM has banned the use of Sanofi's epilepsy drug valproate during pregnancy, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the agency.
ANSM, the national agency for the safety of medicines and health products, said valproate should not be prescribed to women of child-bearing age, barring exceptional circumstances.
Valproate is marketed by Sanofi as Depakine, Depakote and Epilim and was linked to major birth defects in children of women exposed to the drug.
In April, the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency similarly banned valproate prescriptions to women or girls of child-bearing potential, except for those in a pregnancy prevention program.
