Birth defects linked to use of Depakote while pregnant
Any medication taken during pregnancy can potentially harm the fetus. But the rate of birth defects associated with the drug Depakote has turned out to be alarmingly high, even in comparison to similar anti-seizure medications.
If your baby died or was born with brain damage or birth defects, you may be entitled to compensation. There have been thousands of lawsuits against the manufacturer, Abbott Labs, for putting such a dangerous drug on the market and failing to issue stronger warnings to pregnant women.
Depakote birth defects attorneys
The legal team at Greg Jones Law in Wilmington, North Carolina, has years of experience in litigation involving dangerous pharmaceuticals. We will vigorously pursue your full damages for the impact on your child's future, the costs of medical treatment and special care, and the emotional toll you have suffered as a parent. Contact us today.
Many women who take anti-seizure medications for epilepsy must keep taking them during pregnancy, because of the risks to the fetus risks and to the mother if seizures are not prevented or controlled. While anti-seizure medications are known to increase the risk of birth defects, Depakote greatly magnifies these risks. Among pregnant women on Depakote, 28 percent of infants died, were born with congenital defects or have shown development delays. Among pregnant women on other anti-seizure drugs (Dilantin, Tegretol, Lamictal), the rates of these adverse outcomes were no higher than 10 percent.
Among birth defects and other adverse effects associated with Depakote:
- Fetal death or neonatal death
- Spina bifida
- Neural tube defects
- Development delays (retardation, learning disabilities)
- Cleft palate or other deformities
While Depakote was designed as an epilepsy medication, it has also been prescribed for "off label" uses such as bipolar disorder or migraines, including pregnant women with those medical issues.
Explore your potential claims
Based in the Wilmington and Charlotte, North Carolina, area, we have represented clients throughout the United States in dangerous drug lawsuits. Our trial lawyers will work with you to detail all your losses and hardships, and we will stand up to the manufacturer to demand fair compensation.
There may be deadlines for bringing a claim or joining a class action, so we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.
Call 800-481-5707 or contact us online today to talk with Depakote attorney. We do not charge for initial consultations. If there is no recovery, you owe no legal fees.
