More Research Confirms Depakote May Cause Birth Defects

It’s important to note that the children aren’t the only victims of Depakote. The mothers are also victims, and were not properly warned about the dangers of Depakote. The many children who were born with congenital problems, a direct result of the mothers being prescribed Depakote, continue to grow. Hopefully, the latest research will be able to reach more women and their doctors, but that does nothing to help the victims who are already struggling with lifelong obstacles and mounting medical bills.

The Latest Depakote Birth Defect Research

The Department of Medicine and Neuroscience at Royal Melbourne Hospital in conjunction with the University of Melbourne considered 1,703 pregnancies during the study. Of the pregnancies, only 147 did not include the use of Depakote. The findings are published in the March 2013 edition of the Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, a Swedish peer-reviewed journal.

The Australian research showed a stronger link between Depakote and birth defects than the research the FDA depended on to encourage the makers of Depakote, Abbott Laboratories and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, to up the warnings. In fact, the research showed that there was a vastly higher chance of children being born with spina bifida and malformations of the brain, heart, digits, cranium and vessels when mothers take Depakote. Hypospadius is another Depakote side effect noted in the research, which happens when the urethra opening is on the underside of the penis and not the tip.

A Long History of Depakote Side Effects

Depakote has been available since 1983, which means many children and mothers have suffered from negative Depakote side effects. In 2009, the FDA demanded that the manufacturers include adequate warning, but that was 16 years too late. By 2011, the FDA added that the label should also warn of lower cognitive test scores in children whose mothers were prescribed Depakote during pregnancy.

While the FDA is on the right track, mothers are still taking Depakote while pregnant without understanding the risks. For sixteen years, there was virtually no warning of Depakote birth defects, and even mothers suffering from a relatively common affliction like migraines were taking the drug without knowing the risks.

Did You Take Depakote While Pregnant?

If you were prescribed Depakote while pregnant and your child suffers from birth defects, you potentially have a Depakote legal claim. Even if your child is a teenager and the birth defects have subsided, you might still qualify for compensation.

Visit the Depakote Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation to learn more about your rights. You can connect with a qualified representative who will give you a completely free Depakote claim review. The risks of Depakote have only been made public for a few years, and it’s crucial that you get compensated for any pain, suffering, loss or medical bills caused by Depakote.