Valproate, otherwise known as valproic acid, serves as the active ingredient in a number of products specifically developed to treat seizures, manic-depressive disorder, and chronic migraines. Unfortunately, catastrophic side effects may coincide with the use of products that contain valproic acid. Children born to mothers who undergo valproate treatment during pregnancy may have an increased risk of developing severe birth defects that can potentially impair the progress of their cognitive development as well. Due to the severity of these side effects, parents may file a valproate lawsuit.
If your child or other loved ones have been injured by valproate birth defects, 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.
Valproate Overview
Valproate-containing products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the treatment of symptoms associated with seizures, manic-depressive disorder, and the prevention of chronic migraines. They have also been used in off-label (for unapproved uses) circumstances to alleviate numerous psychiatric conditions.
Valproate resided in a group of medications known as anticonvulsants. By increasing natural substances in the brain, valproate works to suppress the rapid and excessive firing of neurons that trigger seizures. As a result, the significantly reduced neuron activity may combat symptoms associated with seizures, manic-depressive disorder, and chronic migraines.
Unfortunately, the use of anticonvulsant medications like valproate may not demonstrate a favorable risk-benefit profile. Valproate may be responsible for catastrophic side effects that do not warrant the continued use of the medication. Children born to mothers who take anti-seizure medications like valproate or related products (valproic acid and divalproex sodium) while pregnant, may have an increased risk of developing severe, life-threatening birth defects that can potentially inhibit their cognitive development. Due to the severity of these side effects, parents may file a valproate lawsuit.
Valproate Side Effects
The following side effects are currently being evaluated by our valproate lawyers:
- Impaired cognitive development
- 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 feet
Due to the severity of these side effects, many families may seek compensation for their suffering by filing a valproate lawsuit.
Valproate Birth Defects
The FDA found the increased risk of major birth defects in babies exposed to valproate and related products during pregnancy to be so dangerous that it has notified health care professionals and patients. The products are marketed under the following brand names:
- Depacon (valproate sodium)
- Depakote, Depakote CP, Depakote ER (dilvalproex sodium)
- Depakene (valproic acid)
- Stavzor (valproic acid)
There is an increased risk of neural tube defects, such as defects of the brain and spinal cord, and other major birth defects, such as craniofacial defects (abnormally formed face and skull enclosing the brain) and cardiovascular malformations (abnormally formed heart or blood vessels), in babies exposed to valproate and related products during pregnancy.
Information obtained in a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that children born to women who took valproate-containing products in the first trimester of pregnancy were 10 times more likely to give birth to children with congenital defects than women who never took the drug. Due to the severity of these side effects, parents may file a valproate lawsuit.
Impaired Cognitive Development
The following FDA Drug Safety Communication illustrates the dangers associated with taking valproate during pregnancy:
The FDA notified healthcare professionals that children born to mothers who take the anti-seizure medication valproate sodium or related products (valproic acid and divalproex sodium) during pregnancy have an increased risk of lower cognitive test scores than children exposed to other anti-seizure medications during pregnancy. This conclusion is based on the results of epidemiologic studies that show that children born to mothers who took valproate sodium or related products throughout their pregnancy tend to score lower on cognitive tests (IQ and other tests) than children born to mothers who took other anti-seizure medications during pregnancy. Due to the severity of these side effects, parents may file a valproate lawsuit.
Do I have a Valproate 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 valproate lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, If your child or other loved ones have been injured by valproate birth defects, 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.