Research Strengthens Claims in Depakote Birth Defect Lawsuits
By Jessica Tyner
Depakote has been linked with birth defects for some time now, and the evidence continues to be added to the research. In March 2013, the Acta Neurologica Scandinavica published research that strengthens the connections between Depakote and birth defects. Specifically, the research shows that mothers who take Depakote while pregnant stand a much higher chance of birthing a baby with spina bifida and defects in the skull bone, digits, and vessels.
There are a number of Depakote birth defect lawsuits that have been filed, including by a South Carolina man who claims he was born with spina bifida because his mother was prescribed Depakote while pregnant. He filed his lawsuit in January 2013. His case is still pending, but given the influx of research linking birth defects to Depakote, he stands a good chance. Research also shows that people who are exposed to Depakote in vitro have lower IQ scores.
What is Depakote?
Depakote is largely used to treat seizures, such as in epilepsy. Some mothers risk taking prescription drugs while pregnant because having a seizure while carrying a child is dangerous to the fetus. However, some Depakote lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of the drug do not provide adequate warnings of Depakote’s pregnancy risks. An increase in the risk of birth defects would likely make mothers look for alternative drugs.
Depakote has also been linked to liver failure, including liver issues in children who are prescribed it. Symptoms of Depakote liver problems include vomiting, being tired and physical swelling.
Some children are prescribed Depakote if they suffer from epilepsy, and it can be dangerous to them as well. While it’s always wise to keep a close eye on patients taking a new drug, that’s especially true in children prescribed Depakote.
Depakote Named in Suicide Lawsuit
While the vast majority of Depakote lawsuits center on birth defects, a recent lawsuit claims that a man committed suicide while taking 1,000 mg of Depakote per day. David Swift, a patient at Presbyterian Anna Kaseman Hospital, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, shot himself in March of 2011. This particular Depakote lawsuit claims the same issue as birth defect Depakote cases — that the packaging did not provide appropriate warnings of potential side effects.
According to this Depakote lawsuit, the drug is dangerous and sufficient testing and/or warning didn’t accompany it. Attorneys claim that the drug wasn’t properly tested, that Swift and his family weren’t warned it could cause suicidal thoughts, and that he shouldn’t have been given Depakote in the first place.
Depakote and You
If you’re the victim of a Depakote side effect, you may have a legal claim. Did you take Depakote while pregnant, and your child suffers from birth defects? You may deserve compensation for suffering, pain and ongoing lifelong medical bills. A child with birth defects is a challenge for life, for both you and your child.
Find out more and visit the Depakote Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation today. You’ll be able to connect with an understanding attorney who can offer you a free Depakote claim review. There’s no pressure and no out of pocket fees.
Updated April 19th, 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.
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
