Talk to a Depakote Lawyer
Depakote use during pregnancy has been associated with serious birth defects, including:
- Neural tube defects
- Craniofacial defects
- Cardiovascular malformation
- Impaired cognitive development
Lawsuits are now underway to compensate mothers and their families.
If you wish to discuss a potential lawsuit against Depakote, we invite you to contact our office for a free case evaluation.
Call (866) 808-2424 or send a message using our brief online form to consult an experienced Depakote lawyer and protect your legal rights.
Depakote Attorneys Allege Failure to Warn
Our Depakote attorneys are investigating whether the manufacturer of the drug knowingly or negligently failed to warn physicians and consumers about the side effects of Depakote.
The FDA approved Depakote to treat seizures, manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and to prevent migraine headaches. Doctors may lawfully prescribe the drug for other purposes such as treating psychiatric conditions.
In a recent medical study, however, children three years of age who were exposed to Depakote in utero had lower cognitive test scores than children exposed to other anti-seizure medications in utero.
Studies have also confirmed that Depakote carries an increased risk of neural tube defects, craniofacial defects, and cardiovascular malformations in babies born to mothers who used valproate during pregnancy. This risk has been shown to be four times (4x) greater with Depakote than with other anti-seizure medications. According to the FDA, neural tube defects affect 1 in 20 babies born to mothers treated with Depakote during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, compared to only 1 in 1500 in the U.S. overall.
In May 2013, the FDA withdrew its approval for the use of Depakote to treat migraines in pregnant women. The FDA action came after findings were published in the medical journal The Lancet showing decreased IQ scores in children whose mothers took the drug while pregnant. Specifically, the FDA changed the label to state that for treating migraines “the risk of use in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit of the drug.”
For pregnant women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder, the FDA concluded that Depakote should be prescribed only if other medications are not effective in treating the condition or cannot be used for other reasons.
For women of childbearing age who are not pregnant, the FDA warned that Depakote should not be taken for any condition unless the drug is essential to managing the patient’s medical health. The FDA further advised that any non-pregnant woman continuing to use Depakote should begin effective birth control treatment.
IMPORTANT WARNING: In its May 2013 safety announcement, the FDA emphasized that patients should always consult a doctor before discontinuing use of Depakote.
Speak to an Experienced Depakote Lawyer
If you believe your family has been affected by Depakote birth defects, you may wish to consult an attorney about your claim. Our Depakote lawyers understand the sensitive nature of these cases and can inform you about what to expect from the litigation process. Contact our office at any time for a free and confidential review of your case.