subject: Depakote's Possible Links to Spina Bifida Birth Defects May Have Been Known for Years [print this page] Depakote's Possible Links to Spina Bifida Birth Defects May Have Been Known for Years
A 2006 Neurology journal article revealed that women who take Depakote for epilepsy may have a higher risk of giving birth to children with birth defects. As many as 20.3 percent of women in this study who took Depakote during their pregnancies suffered serious adverse outcomes, while for those on other epilepsy medications, the chance of having a child with birth defects fell to less than 10.7 percent. Only recently was the warning label on Depakote changed to reflect this birth defect risk, prompting questions that the makers of Depakote may have left of critical side effect information on earlier labels.
Depakote is given to patients to manage seizures, however there are numerous possible birth defects that may occur in their children. These can include spina bifida, neural tube malformation, hydraencephaly, an increased risk of fetal death and a laundry list of additional side effects. Depakote has been approved for the treatment of seizure disorders since 1983 and has been used by an estimated 2 million people. Many of these patients were women of childbearing potential who may have used the drug while pregnant.
As a result, many Depakote lawsuits have begun to be filed. As parents find out that other epilepsy drugs may be available, they call lawyers to help seek justice for their children. Depakote attorneys are trained to help parents navigate the legal system in order to reach settlements in spina bifida birth defect cases.
Parents who believe Depakote caused their child's birth defects should seek out legal help as soon as possible. By working with an experienced Depakote lawyer, families can receive financial compensation for this potentially life-altering condition. The medical world knows the side effects and risks of Depakote birth defects but if parents are not informed, they cannot understand their legal options.
Information is difficult for some parents to find. With the help of sites like www.DepakoteBirthInjury.com, not only can parents learn about the risks of Depakote, but parents can also find help seeking Depakote attorneys when necessary. A difficult time for anyone, Depakote birth defects settlements may not correct the damage done to a family, but they can begin to bring about justice for the child.
