Depakote® Birth Defects Lawyer & Lawsuit

Depakote® has been associated with a number of extremely serious birth defects when used by pregnant women including spina bifida, cleft palate, and death of the newborn.

If your child or other loved one has been injured by Depakote 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.

Depakote: An Overview

Depakote was first approved in 1983 for the treatment of epilepsy. Then in 1995, it was approved for use in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In 1996, Depakote was approved for treating migraine headaches. And finally in 2002, the FDA approved the use of Depakote ER for adults with epileptic seizures.

What’s the problem with Depakote?

The side effects of Depakote could result in birth defects to a new child if taken by an expecting mother during pregnancy. These side effects can include (but are not limited to):

• Cleft palate
• Hand malformations
• Hypoplastic right heart – when the right side of the heart is underdeveloped
• Undescended testes
• Dysplastic ribs – ribs that are unusually developed
• Hypospadia – when the opening of the urethra forms in the wrong place on male infants
• Spina bifida – when the spinal column does not really completely envelop the spinal cord.
• Death of the newly born baby

2010 Study on Depakote Birth Defects

In 2010, a European study found that Depakote increases the risk of birth defects when taken as early as the first trimester of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. The study also indicated that taking Depakote resulted in a:

• 12-fold increased risk of spina bifida
• 7-fold increased risk of craniosynostosis (abnormal skull)
• 5-fold increased risk of cleft palate
• 2.5 times the risk of the baby developing an atrial septal defect (a hole in the heart).

Do I have a Depakote 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 Depakote birth defects lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Again, if your child or other loved one has been injured by Depakote birth defects, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-800-773-0849. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.