Depakote / Topamax

Los Angeles Depakote/Topamax Birth Defect Attorneys

In December 2009, the FDA issued a black box warning, the most serious warning that can be issued, against drugs such as Depakote and Topomax used to treat certain types of epilepsy and seizures. The FDA alerts users that these drugs have been linked to serious birth defects in children if taken during a woman’s pregnancy. Women across the United States who have taken either of these drugs during pregnancy are filing suit against the pharmaceutical giants that manufacture Depakote and Topamax. The pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos are currently investigating claims against the manufacturers of both Topamax and Depakote.

What are Depakote/Topamax?

Depakote and Topamax are pharmaceutical drugs used to treat certain types of seizures. They affect the chemicals in the body that are likely to cause seizures. Depakote is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories and can also be used to treat manic disorders such as bipolar disorder and major depression. It was approved by the FDA in 1983.

Topamax is manufactured by Johnson and Johnson. It can additionally be used to prevent migraines in adults. It was approved by the FDA in September 2006. However, if either of these drugs is taken while pregnant, they pose serious adverse risks to unborn children.

Side Effects

It has been reported that taking Depakote or Topamax while pregnant can cause birth defects in children, including:

• Cleft palate
• Cleft lip
• Spinal bifida
• Cognitive impairment
• Other limb or facial malformations
• Skeletal Defects
• Fetal Death

Legal Perspective

The serious birth defects linked to Depakote/Topamax have caused numerous people throughout the United States to file suit against Abbott Labs. The drug litigation attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos are currently investigating the claims against Depakote and Topamax and its serious complications. If your child has experienced any of these complications, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and other related injuries. Contact our Los Angeles Depakote/Topamax Birth Defect Attorneys today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.