Is Depakote Still Facing Birth Defect Lawsuits?

We had discussed Depakote in an old blog, but this controversial anti-seizure medication is back in the news again as Abbott Laboratories is facing further lawsuits.

For instance, one mother has a child with spina bifida, which makes for frequent trips to the hospital for surgeries. Her son, age 4, will soon need braces to help him walk, as his legs have not grown properly. His mother claims that she was never warned of the dangers of Depakote.
Photo of prescription bottles and medication
In 2013, a man from South Carolina filed a Depakote lawsuit, claiming that the Depakote that his mother was taking when she was pregnant with him caused his spina bifida. He has had to have numerous operations in his life because of his condition.

In addition to spina bifida, he has autism. His mother says that the doctors informed her that a birth defect was extremely rare, while her chances of a seizure were great without the medication. She soon took herself off the drug, but it was too late.

Similarly, in Illinois, a group of mothers filed a class action lawsuit, alleging that Depakote caused their children to be born with birth defects.

What Kind of Birth Defects Can Depakote Cause?

In addition to spina bifida and autism, Depakote is known to cause:

  • Atrial septal defect
  • Cleft palate
  • Hypospadias
  • Polydactyly
  • Craniosynostosis

If you are pregnant, or hope to become pregnant, then you need to call your physician today to see if your medication is safe for both you and your baby. Birth defects can cause lifelong challenges that can become expensive to deal with.

If your child’s birth defect was caused by pharmaceutical negligence, then you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against a healthcare provider or against a pharmaceutical company. Call a Tampa birth defect attorney today.

Farrell & Patel – Birth Injury Lawyers

Source: http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/depakote/interview-depakote-lawsuit-side-17-20385.html#.VLgvsyvF888