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Topamax®

Topamax® links to an increase in the risk for cleft lip and cleft palate in babies whose mothers take the drug during their pregnancies. If your baby is born with a birth defect such as cleft lip or cleft palate and you took Topamax® while pregnant, you might qualify for compensation. .

As an anti-seizure medication, Topamax® (generic name: topiramate) is for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (which causes seizures) and for convulsions. It is also prescribed off-label for:

  • bipolar disorder
  • alcoholism
  • tobacco (cigarettes) addiction
  • neuropathic pain
  • migraine headaches
  • obesity (e.g., binge eating, bulimia)
  • cocaine addiction
  • post-traumatic stress disorder

In fact, Ortho-McNeil, the drug’s

 

spilled pills

 

maker, was fined over $6 million in 2010 by the FDA for promoting off-label uses of this drug.

In March 2011 the FDA warned physicians that Topamax® treatment during pregnancy increases the risk of cleft lip and cleft palate. The FDA changed the Pregnancy Category of Topamax® to Category “D,” at the same time. This indicated significant risk to babies.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Children can be born with one or both of these conditions. A cleft lip can be a small notch in the upper lip, or a complete bilateral cleft lip. A cleft palate is a condition where the palate does not close properly.

Most clefts can be repaired, but it is not always possible to repair the cleft without leaving a scar or mark. Children with these birth defects can experience:

  • ear infections and hearing loss
  • problems with speech
  • difficulties eating
  • problems with their teeth
  • psychological challenges

Don’t Delay! Call Clay!

If you or your child has injuries because of a dangerous drug, contact The Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess today!

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