Depakote Birth Defect Victim Sues Drug Maker
By Andrea Gressman
On January 25, 2013, a new Depakote lawsuit was filed by a South Carolina man claiming he is a victim of Depakote birth defects due to his mother taking the drug during her pregnancy with him.
The Depakote lawsuit states that the plaintiff’s mother used Depakote during the first part of her pregnancy which resulted in the plaintiff developing spina bifida. Spina bifida can be a very serious and life-long condition that can cause paralysis as well as a number of other very serious side effects. In addition to birth defects, Depakote can also cause a number of other problems for children born to mothers who took the drug while pregnant.
Studies Link Depakote Pregnancy Use to Children with Lower IQs
Depakote, also known as valproate, is a drug that is frequently used as a treatment option for different psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder. It is also used as a treatment option for epilepsy and to treat those who suffer from migraines. It was reported by Lancet Neurology on January 23, 2013 that a recent Depakote study revealed mothers who took the drug during pregnancy had children with a lower IQ score by the time the child was age 6 in comparison to children who were not subject to Depakote or any other antiepileptic drug.
This is not the first attention Depakote has received in this area. In June 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released information regarding a study indicating that if a mother took valproate sodium products like Depakote while being pregnant that her child would have a lower IQ and would score lower on other cognitive tests in comparison to those who were not exposed to anti-seizure drugs.
Depakote Birth Defects
There are a number of very serious side effects associated with Depakote. However, some of the most severe are the birth defects it can cause when taken during a pregnancy. These birth defects include some of the following:
- Cleft palate
- Dysplastic ribs
- Fetal death
- Hand malformations
- Hypoplastic right heart
- Hypospadias
- Spina Bifida
Filing Your Own Depakote Birth Defect Lawsuit
Like this South Carolina man, if you are the victim of a Depakote birth defect or had a child with a Depakote birth defect you too could be eligible to file a lawsuit. Sadly, many who were prescribed Depakote were not informed of the very serious side effects that can result from taking the drug. As a result, they took a drug that has been linked to very serious birth defects that can even be fatal. In order to receive compensation for the injuries you or your child have sustained it is imperative that you speak with a qualified Depakote lawsuit attorney right away.
Visit the Depakote Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page today in order to learn more about your legal rights and receive a free legal review from an experienced Depakote lawsuit attorney.
Updated February 21st, 2013
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