Depakote Linked to Spina Bifida

An FDA Warning published in December, 2009 links the incidence of children born with Spina Bifida to the use of the drug Depakote (valproic acid) during pregnancy. In a May 2007 Report to the American Academy of Neurology, it was suggested that a staggering 25% of women who used Depakote while pregnant gave birth to children with severe neurological birth defects. A report 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, particularly with regard to neural tube closure defects such as Spina Bifida. If you have a child suffering from Spina Bifida or other major congenital neural tube closure defects, and you were prescribed Depakote during pregnancy, you may have a cause of action against the drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories, the creator and marketer of Depakote.

What are Depakote Side Effects?

Major congenital neural tube closure defects and skeletal malformations are 2.0 to 3.5 times more common in infants born to women taking Depakote while pregnant when compared to women who took other anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy. Depakote birth injury side effects include:

• Spina Bifida and other Neural Tube Defects
• Facial Dysmorphism
• Hand and Arm Deformities
• Skeletal - Spinal Defects
• Craniofacial Deformities
• Cleft Palate
• Limb Size Reduction Defects

Women had a significantly higher likelihood of giving birth to babies with severe birth defects such as Spina Bifida when taking Depakote during pregnancy than with other anti-epileptic drugs. Depakote has also been proven to pass into breast milk and potentially harm nursing babies. According to a published warning at rxlist.com, anti-epileptic 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?

Since 1983, Depakote has been a widely used drug marketed by Abbott Laboratories prescribed to control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder, such as manic-depressive illness, to treat and prevent migraine headaches, and to treat the chronic pain associated with certain nervous system diseases such as neuropathy. Depakote is also known by the names: Depakene, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkle, Divalproex Sodium, Valproate Sodium and Valproic Acid.

Speak to a Depakote Lawyer

The Willis Law firm has represented clients in Pharmaceutical Product Liability and Personal Injury litigation for over 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 tube and skeletal malformations that may have resulted from your 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.

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 confidential Depakote side effects lawsuit evaluation.