Depakote Lawyers Reviewing Birth Defect Cases
The Depakote lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential lawsuits on behalf of children born with birth defects, malformations or developmental delays after their mothers used the anti-seizure medication Depakote while pregnant.
Contact Our Lawyers to Review a DEPAKOTE INJURY CASE
Depakote side effects may increase the risk of an unborn child developing a number of major birth defects and cognitive problems, which may have been avoided if adequate warnings were provided by the drug maker.
Compensation may be available for children through a Depakote lawsuit for children who suffered birth defects. To determine if compensation may be available for your child, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
DEPAKOTE BIRTH DEFECT LAWSUITS
Depakote, which was approved in 1983, is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. The medication is used to treat epilepsy and, in some cases, depression.
As a result of inadequate warnings, Depakote has been used by many pregnant women, resulting in devastating birth defects and malformation for children throughout the United States.
Depakote lawsuits are being reviewed for child born throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with:
- Spina Bifida
- Cleft Palate
- Abnormal Skull Formation
- Malformed Limbs and Extra Toes/Fingers
- Urinary Problems
- Heart Problems
- Mental Disabilities (Including Developmental Delays, Autism, Lowered I.Q. and Other Cognitive Problems)
▸ INFORMATION: Depakote Birth Defect Problems
DEPAKOTE PREGNANCY RESEARCH
Research has linked side effects of Depakote to an increased risk of birth defects when taken as early as the first trimester of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. If proper warnings had been provided, women who were planning to become pregnant or those not practicing birth control, could have taken a different anti-seizure medication during pregnancy, as not all epilepsy drugs have the same risk of birth defects as Depakote.
In late 2009, the FDA required Abbott Laboratories to update the warning label on Depakote, to ensure that women of child-bearing age are aware of the risk of major birth defects. The FDA came to its decision to strengthen the Depakote birth defect warnings after analyzing data from the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry, which indicated that more than 10% of women who took an average of 1,000 mg per day of valproate-based drugs during pregnancy gave birth to children with some malformation or birth defect.
According to a June 2010 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the risk of spina bifida from Depakote may be 12 times higher with use of the medication during pregnancy. Other Depakote birth defects, such as cleft palate, holes in the heart walls, abnormal skull development, extra fingers and toes, urinary problems and smaller limbs, were found to be increased between seven and two times. Prior studies have also linked Depakote to birth problems that may cause children to have a lower IQ.
▸ INFORMATION: Depakote Spina Bifida Side Effects
Abbott Laboratories has known or should have known that their medication may put pregnant women at increased risk of having a child with Depakote birth defects and malformations, but failed to warn consumers of the risks involved with using their drugs.
DEPAKOTE CLASS ACTION LAWYERS
The Depakote attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing individual lawsuits where a mother used the medication while pregnant and their child suffered birth defects, including:
- Spina Bifida
- Head and Brain Malformation
- Arm or Leg Deformities
- Missing or Extra Fingers or Toes
- Deformed Head or Face
- Cleft Palate
- Holes in the Heart Walls
- Mental Disability
- Low IQ
- Autism
- Cephalic Disorder
Through a Depakote lawsuit, compensation may be available for the child. Our Depakote attorneys review all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. Request a free consultation and claim evaluation to determine whether you or your child may be eligible to pursue a lawsuit over Depakote birth defects.