A class action lawsuit investigation has been launched over allegations the epilepsy medication Depakote caused infants whose mothers used Depakote during pregnancy to be born with birth defects.

Parents who took Depakote and gave birth to a child with Depakote birth defects before 2010 may be qualified to join the legal investigation and potentially win compensation for the medical costs and pain and suffering caused by the drug manufacturer’s negligence.

About Depakote

Depakote is an epilepsy treatment for adults that was approved by the FDA in 1983. It has since been approved to treat migraine headaches and bipolar disorder as well as the epilepsy in children.

You may also know Depakote as valproate or valproic acid. It has also been sold as divalproex sodium. It can be given as an injection, a sprinkle capsule, a syrup, and more.

Depakote helps to increase the amount of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) that is produced in the body which then reduces the signals that lead to seizures.

While Depakote has been an effective epilepsy treatment for some, it has also allegedly led to many cases of Depakote birth defects which were not warned against on the warning label.

Depakote Birth Defects

Parents may not know until birth that their child will be born with a Depakote birth defect. Birth defects can bring about many unexpected complications both financial and emotional. Some birth defects can require additional surgery, special education, or can reduce future potential earnings. A Depakote class action lawsuit may be able to help you win compensation to pay for these costs as well as for pain and suffering, failure to warn, and other damages.

Depakote birth defects may include cardiovascular defects, brain defects, spina bifida and other spinal defects, as well as face or skull defects including cleft palate. These side effects were allegedly not adequately warned against on the warning label. Women who have used Depakote may not have been aware of the alleged risks associated with this epilepsy treatment.

Some women may require epilepsy treatment for their own safety or for the safety of their infant. Never stop using a medication without consulting your doctor.

If you took any of the following medications and gave birth to a child with a Depakote birth defect before 2010, you may be qualified to join a Depakote class action lawsuit investigation:

• Depacon injections (valproate sodium)
• Depakote (DR/EC)
• Depakote sprinkle capsules
• Depakote ER (divalproex sodium)
• Depakene capsules or syrup
• Stavzor (valproic acid)

Class action lawsuits are often used to help multiple people (sometimes hundreds) who have similar claims against the same defendant(s).