Depakote Studies Reveal Link between Pregnancy Use & Developmental Problems
By Christina Drury
A study recently published in January 2013, conducted over a period of four years from 2000 to 2004 with a group of 500 women, revealed that the risk for neurodevelopmental problems was greater in those women who used Depakote during pregnancy. In 12 percent of the cases these women gave birth to children who later had developmental problems. Other recent studies have similar findings on the risk of Depakote birth defects. Researchers are now saying that as the dosage for Depakote increases, so does the risk for developing long-term development problems in the mother’s offspring.
History of Depakote Birth Defects
Depakote is marketed for use in treating epileptic seizures, manic depression, bipolar disorder and migraines. While the drug has proven effective in these treatments, it has also been found in many independent studies to increase the possibility for birth defects such as cleft palate, spina bifida, hand malformations and abnormal development of the ribs. In addition to the physical deformities Depakote may cause, other birth defects such as autism and a lower IQ may occur.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently supports the use of the drug Depakote during pregnancy because the risks of birth defects are outweighed by its benefits to patients. The FDA does find Depakote carries a greater risk in pregnant women for developmental problems with their children. As a result of this, the FDA issued a warning in June 2011 to pregnant Depakote users.
Many Depakote Birth Defect Lawsuits Filed
Plaintiffs in Depakote lawsuits allege that the manufacturer did not reveal to the public the possibility for developmental and physical birth defects. If they had known about the risk of Depakote birth defects, these plaintiffs say they would have opted for an alternative medication.
A Depakote birth defect lawsuit filed in Illinois federal court on January 25, 2013, alleges that the plaintiff’s birth defects were a direct result of his mother’s use of Depakote while pregnant with him. In the lawsuit he claims that he was born with spina bifida and blames the drug for his birth defect.
His Depakote lawsuit is one of many wherein plaintiffs allege the manufacturer misled the public about the risks associated with Depakote pregnancy use and did not do enough to adequately warn pregnant women of the possible side effects Depakote may cause to their unborn child.
Get Legal Help for Depakote Birth Defects
If you have taken Depakote while pregnant and had a child with birth defects, or you are a victim of Depakote use while your mom was pregnant, there is more information available for you. Visit the Depakote Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page for more information on how to pursue legal action. You’ll be able to submit your information for a free legal review from qualified birth defect attorneys waiting to fight for your rights with no out-of-pocket charge to you.
Updated May 3rd, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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