Dr Xand's Con or Cure S01E05 - Episode 5

Epilepsy drug sodium valproate causes birth defects and developmental delay in babies whose mothers take the drug while pregnant. But when Susan got pregnant taking the drug, she wasn't aware of the life-changing consequences her epilepsy medication would have. Three babies a month are still being born after exposure to sodium valproate, and Susan campaigns to raise awareness of the issue.

Also, the illegal trading in prescription drugs. In one week, last year, 94 countries across the world were involved in a simultaneous crackdown on the illegal prescription drugs trade. In the UK, anti-depressants, erectile dysfunction tablets, painkillers, anabolic steroids and slimming pills were among the medicines seized. We go behind the scenes with Interpol as they track and impound illegal medications sneaking into the country.

Plus, the fake medicines being touted as ‘cures' for autism. And we look at the new social media trend of ‘exercise snacking'. Can bursts of exercise only lasting seconds really do you any good? Dr Xand explains. We also clarify whether you really need to take multivitamins.