Stavzor (generic: valproic acid) is an anti-seizure medication used to treat a variety of symptoms ranging from seizures and manic-depressive disorders to chronic migraine headaches. Off-label uses have also suggested that Stavzor may treat a number of psychiatric conditions as well. However, recent evidence suggest that Stavzor may be responsible for severe, life-threatening side effects. Children born to mothers who use Stavzor during pregnancy may have an increased risk of developing severe birth defects that can potentially impair the progress of their cognitive development.
If your child has been injured by Stavzor, 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.
Stavzor Overview
Stavzor is a relatively new prescription anticonvulsant medication that was first introduced to the U.S. market by Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Though it is an advanced formulation of valproic acid, medications consisting of the same active ingredient have existed since 1978. Since their conception, valproate medications like Stavzor have helped combat the symptoms of epilepsy and chronic migraines.
Valproic acid, otherwise known as valproate, resides in a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. Although it is not completely understood how valproate works in the brain for individuals with epilepsy, scientists believe it regulates the balance of a specific brain chemical. It does so by increasing the amount of a natural chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). As a result, this regulation significantly reduces neuron activity and may assist in the treatment of seizures, manic-depressive disorders, and chronic migraine headaches.
Unfortunately, administering a Stavzor treatment may not demonstrate a favorable risk-benefit profile. Stavzor’s active ingredient, valproate, may be responsible for dangerous complications that do not justify continual use of the medication. Children born to mothers who take anti-seizure medications like Stavzor 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 Stavzor lawsuit.
Stavzor Side Effects
The following side effects are currently being evaluated by our Stavzor 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 Stavzor lawsuit.
Stavzor Birth Defects
The FDA acknowledged the risk of major birth defects in babies exposed to Stavzor during pregnancy when they said the medication may be hazardous to an infants health. As a result the FDA notified the healthcare community of the following products that contain a variation of valproate:
- 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 Stavzor 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 Stavzor lawsuit.
Impaired Cognitive Development
The following FDA Drug Safety Communication illustrates the dangers associated with taking Stavzor 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 Stavzor lawsuit.
Do I have a Stavzor 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 Stavzor lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if your child has been injured by Stavzor, 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.