Tegretol (generic: carbamazepine) is indicated for the use of treating specific types of seizures associated with epileptic episodes. However, as an anticonvulsant, Tegretol may also be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, nerve pain associated with true trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Unfortunately, pregnant women using Tegretol may significantly increase the risk of their child being born with a severe, life-threatening birth defect. Due to the severity and frequency of such an adverse event, families may seek compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Tegretol birth defects lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with a birth defect after taking Tegretol, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Tegretol Overview
Novartis introduced Tegretol to the world over four decades ago when the company gained the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell the medication as an anticonvulsant. Since March 11, 1968, Tegretol has helped countless individuals combat the symptoms associated with epilepsy. However, there are numerous brand name drugs like Carbatrol, Equetro, and Tegretol XR that also utilize carbamazepine as an active ingredient to treat seizures.
Carbamazepine resides in a group of medications known in the healthcare community as an anticonvulsant. As an anticonvulsant, carbamazepine diligently works to reduce significant amounts of abnormal electrical stimulation in the brain. In doing so, carbamazepine assists Tegretol in the treatment of seizures associated with chronic epileptic episodes.
Unfortunately, anticonvulsant medications like Tegretol that contain carbamazepine do not provide patients with a favorable risk-benefit profile. Catastrophic Tegretol side effects may not justify the use of this medication by pregnant women. Pregnant women using Tegretol may significantly increase the risk of their child being born with a severe, life-threatening birth defect. Due to the severity of this risk, many families may wish to seek compensation by filing a Tegretol birth defects lawsuit against Novartis.
Tegretol Side Effects
The following is a list of potential Tegretol side effects:
- Spina bifida
- Heart defects
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Intrauterine growth retardation
- Skeletal defects
- Genital malformations (hypospadias)
- Hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS)
- Premature cranial malformations
- Extra digits on the hands or toes
- Liver failure
Due to the severity of these side effects, many people have sought compensation for their suffering through their own Tegretol birth defects lawsuit.
Tegretol Birth Defects
According to a recent study published in the current issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, women taking Tegretol may increase their risk of experiencing pregnancy complications that result in birth defects. The study acknowledged that women who take epilepsy medications like Tegretol may have more problems during pregnancy than those women that do not.
Evidence revealed by this study lends significant weight to the long-suspected link between Tegretol and birth defects from epilepsy drugs. The study examined over 400 women who gave birth in Bergen, Norway between 1999 and 2006, half of which had been diagnosed with epilepsy. Studies found significant evidence acknowledging that 8 percent of pregnant women taking anti-seizure drugs were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a complication that can prove to be fatal to both the mother and unborn child. The study also showed that women taking anticonvulsants, like Tegretol, may be 6.5 times more likely to have a child with birth defects. These findings come amid festering concerns about the side effects of epilepsy drugs on unborn children, particularly involving use of Depakote, Tegretol and Topamax. This strong association has led many families to file a Tegretol birth defects lawsuit.
Tegretol Birth Defects Study
According to a similar study, 3.3% of women who took Tegretol during the first trimester of pregnancy gave birth to a child with malformations or severe birth defects. The side effects associated with Tegretol increased the risk of having a child born with spina bifida by 2.6 times. The increased risk of birth defects acknowledged in this study may warrant a Tegretol birth defects lawsuit.
Do I Have A Tegretol Birth Defects Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Tegretol birth defects lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with a birth defect after taking Tegretol, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.