FDA Depakote Warning

Depakote (Valproate Sodium) and related products (valproic acid and divalproex sodium): Risk of Birth Defects

The FDA notified health care professionals and patients about the increased risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida and other major birth defects, such as craniofacial defects and cardiovascular malformations, in babies exposed to valproate sodium and related products (valproic acid and divalproex sodium) during pregnancy. Healthcare practitioners should inform women of childbearing potential about these risks, and consider alternative therapies, especially if using valproate to treat migraines or other conditions not usually considered life-threatening. Women of childbearing potential should only use valproate if it is essential to manage their medical condition.

Those who are not actively planning a pregnancy should use effective contraception, as birth defect risks are particularly high during the first trimester, before many women know they are pregnant. A valproate Medication Guide, provided with each outpatient prescription, will explain the benefits and risks of valproate and encourage patients to discuss options with their healthcare professional.[12/03/2009] Additionally the FDA announced on 6/30/11 that Depakote use during pregnancy may also be responsible for lower cognitive test scores to children born of moms that took Depakote during pregnancy.(see: Depakote FDA Warning)

Depakote & Tegretol Side Effects to Unborn Infants

The most serious side effects of Tegretol and Depakote involve birth defects to the fetus. Many of the unborn children of these pregnant women taking Depakote are born with severe birth defects. These serious Depakote side effects may include:

• Spina bifida
• Skeletal defects
• Intrauterine growth retardation
• Neural tube malformations
• Death of fetus
• Craniofacial defects

Other Depakote and Tegretol Birth Defects Include:

• Undescended testes
• Hand structure malformations
• Hypospadias (a urethra opening in the wrong place)
• Pulmonary (lung) stenosis
• Hypoplastic right heart

Depakote and Tegretol Spina Bifida Lawsuits - Talk to a Birth Defect Attorney

If your child was born with severe birth defects, spina bifida or other skeletal or growth retardation it may have resulted from of Depakote, Topamax or Tegretol being taken during pregnancy then you may have a right to file a Spina Bifida Birth Defect Lawsuit. Call and talk to Depakote Spina Bifida law firm that has represented thousands of clients over the last 25+ years and understands all aspects of drug litigation. Call for a Free & Confidential Depakote Spina Bifida Lawsuit Evaluation. Talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer licensed in Texas and in New York with a Nationwide Reputation.

Depakote & Tegretol Spina Bifida and Neural Tube Defects Lawsuit

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