Depakote®

Depakote is a medication with several uses. It is an anti-seizure medication. Additionally, it can be a treatment for migraine headaches. Most commonly, doctors prescribe Depakote for bipolar disorder.

Birth Defects Linked to Depakote

This drug causes serious birth defects. In fact, 1 in 5 babies born to mothers treated with anti-convulsant drugs suffered congenital defects.

• iniencephaly– the baby’s head is severely bent toward the spine

• cardiovascular malformations- such as atrial septal defects (holes in the heart)

• craniofacial defects- skull and face defects, such as craniosynostosis (the skull closes prematurely) and cleft palate

• spina bifida- neural tube defects

• hyraencephaly- cerebral hemispheres do not develop and cerebrospinal fluid fills the skull

• polydactylism- extra fingers and/or toes

The Food and Drug Administration requires a “black box warning” on the packaging of Depakote. This warning looks just how it sounds. The packaging should have a black box with text inside describing its’ side-effects. This is the strongest warning that the FDA places on a dangerous drug. In order for a medication to require this warning label there must be evidence of its potential harm. The FDA confirms through clinical data and research that the drug does, in fact, cause severe life-threatening birth defects.

Don’t Delay! Call Clay!

If you have concerns about a baby born with a birth defect contact our offices for a free personal injury consultation.  Our experienced staff members are here to help.