Depakote® (valproic acid) is used to treat various types of seizures disorders. The drug may be used alone or in conjunction with other drugs to treat the illness. It is also used for the prevention of migraine headaches.

Depakote® Birth Defect Risk

Use of the antiseizure medication during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine by European researchers, Depakote® increases the risk of six different types of birth defects, including:

• Spina bifida — researchers found that Depakote® increases the risk of the serious neural tube defect, spina bifida, by more than 12 times.
• Atrial septal defect — researchers found that Depakote® nearly doubles the risk of the heart complication known as atrial septal defect.
• Cleft palate — researchers found that use of Depakote® during pregnancy increases the risk of the oral and facial abnormality known as cleft palate by more than five times.
• Hypospadias — researchers found that taking Depakote® during pregnancy can increase the risk of hypospadias, a defect in which the opening of the urethra in boys is in the wrong location, by nearly five times.
• Craniosynostosis — researchers found that Depakote® increased the risk of the head and skull defect known as craniosynostosis by nearly seven times.
• Polydactyly — researchers found that when Depakote® increased the risk of the limb abnormality by more than two times.

The researchers based their results on an analysis of more than 98,000 pregnancies. They cautioned that the study was observational, meaning the results do not conclude a cause and effects relationship.

Birth Defect Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety advisory in 2009 to remind the public about the increased risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida) and other birth defects such as craniofacial defects and heart defects in babies whose mothers took valproic acid during their pregnancies.

The agency advised health care providers to warn their female patients of child bearing age about the potential risk of birth defects associated with the antiseizure medication. If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy and are taking Depakote®, you should speak with your doctor about the risk of birth defects.

Other Depakote® Warnings

The boxed warning on the Depakote® label also cautions that the drug may cause serious liver problems in patients taking the drug. Patients are told to contact their doctors immediately if they experience the following symptoms:

• Uneasiness
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Swelling of the face
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting

Patients taking Depakote® also are warned that they may develop a potentially life-threatening condition called pancreatitis. This is a serious inflammation of the pancreas. Patients should contact their doctors right away if they experience the following symptoms associated with pancreatitis:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss

Contact a Defective Drug Lawyer

If you were prescribed Depakote® during your pregnancy and your child was born with one or more complications, you may be eligible to seek compensation. To find out if you qualify to file a claim, please contact our Depakote® attorneys today.

Our attorneys may also be able to help you if you developed a serious health condition such as liver failure or pancreatitis while taking the medication. Contact us to schedule a free review of your case.