Depakote Linked to Spina Bifida

The incidence of children born with Spina Bifida has been linked by the U.S. FDA to the use of the drug Depakote during pregnancy. The FDA Warning was published in December, 2009. Another study, released in the August 8, 2006 issue of Neurology, shows that the effects of Depakote can be devastating for newborns exposed to the drug in the womb. If you have a child suffering from Spina Bifida or other major congenital neural tube and cardiac malformations, and you were prescribed Depakote during pregnancy, you may have a cause of action against Abbott Laboratories, the creator of Depakote.

What are Depakote Side Effects?

Major congenital malformations and fetal death were more common for women who took Depakote while pregnant compared with women who took other antiepileptic drugs. Depakote birth injury side effects include:

• Spina bifida aperta
• Spina bifida occulta
• Spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele)
• Other Neural tube closure defects
• Anencephaly
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Atrial septal defects
• Pulmonary stenosis
• Hypoplastic right heart
• Rachischisis
• Death of the newborn

Women who took high doses of Depakote had a significantly higher likelihood of giving birth to a baby with defects. Depakote has also been shown to pass into breast milk and potentially harm a nursing baby. According to a published warning at rxlist.com, antiepileptic drugs should only be given to women of childbearing potential if they are absolutely essential in the management of seizures. This same warning states that "the risks of neural tube defects may be higher in mothers who received Depakote during the first trimester of pregnancy."

What is Depakote?

Depakote is a widely used drug marketed by Abbott Laboratories to treat long-term manic and depressive parts of rapidly-cycling bipolar disorder. Other uses of Depakote include treating patients for migraines, epilepsy and chronic pain associated with nervous system diseases (neuropathy).

Speak to a Depakote Lawyer

The Willis Law firm has represented thousands of clients during the past 25 years. We thoroughly understand the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical product-liability drug litigation. You are not alone. If your child was born with Spina Bifida or other major congenital neural and cardiac malformations that may have resulted from being prescribed and taking Depakote during pregnancy, please contact our law firm immediately to discuss your legal options. Please keep in mind that certain states have a statute of limitations regarding the amount of time you have to seek legal action.

As experienced personal-injury and wrongful-death lawyers, we understand the devastating side effects of Depakote. Our mission is to provide you the skilled representation needed to go up against large pharmaceutical companies and recover the compensation you are entitled to.

For over a quarter century, The Willis Law Firm has been responsible for recovering significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Financial recoveries can never bring back a loved one, but can help families deal with the financial stress associated with a life-changing injury or illness. They may also help prevent similar injuries to others in the future by holding pharmaceutical companies responsible today. Consulting a skilled and experienced pharmaceutical products-liability attorney is your first step in receiving the justice you and your family deserve. Contact us today for a free and completely confidential Depakote Side Effects lawsuit evaluation.