Prescription medication Depakote, also referred by its generic name, divalproex sodium, was initially introduced in 1983 to treat epilepsy. However, in 1995 the drug, developed and manufactured by Abbot Laboratories was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat manic episodes such as manic depression and bi-polar disorder. Since then, it has also been prescribed to treat other neuropathy conditions, such as migraine headaches and epileptic seizures. Additionally, some individuals have taken Depakote for off-label uses such as dementia, alcoholism, sleep disorders, hiccups and agitation. However, Depakote has been associated with dangerous side effects including serious child birth defects and gastrointestinal disease including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. If you or your child are a victims of serious side effects from the taking of the prescription drug Depakote our trusted ans estemmed Drug defect attorney can help you get the recovery you are entitled too.
Depakote has been made available in generic forms. It is offered by several manufacturers, such as:
- Mylan
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Sandoz, Inc.
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.
- Teva Pharmaceuticals USA
DEPAKOTE CLEFT PALATE BIRTH DEFECT INJURY ATTORNEY | DRUG LAWSUIT
Depakote Birth Defect Claims
In January 2007, the FDA issued a black box warning for birth defects in pregnant woman. Depakote may lead to several birth defects including: Spina Bifida – occurs when the two sides of the embryo’s spine do not fuse completely and remain open. Spina bifida is usually detected at the child’s birth, and treatment is achieved through surgery. However, treatment does not always solve the problem. In fact, normal function to the spinal cord is rarely achieved. In a 2010 European study of 98,000 pregnancies, researches learned that babies exposed to Depakote during pregnancy are twelve times more likely to develop spina bifida. Cleft Palate Defect Causes by Depakote – a facial abnormality where there is not enough tissue around the mouth or lip area. As a result, the lip area does not join properly, and results in a split or opening in the roof of the mouth. Cardiovascular Problems – heart malfunctions such as coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the aorta) or hypoplastic right heart (underdevelopment of the right side of the heart) have been known to occur in children. Learning Disability – a 2009 FDA study suggested that there may be a link between mothers who used Depakote and developmental issues in children. The FDA has identified several cases of developmental delays associated with Depakote, including autism. Other serious birth defects include:- Atrial Septal Defect
- Hypospadias – abnormal development of the urethra
- Craniosynostosis
- Polydactyly – development of more than five fingers on the hand
- Malformed Genitals
Other Depakote Side Effects
Although Depakote does work in alleviating certain disorders, there are several severe dangers associated with the drug that suggest that the harm far outweighs its benefits. These side effects associated with Depakote are often both severe and permanent. Side effects include:- Liver Failure
- Pancreatitis resulting in pancreatic cancer
- Severe abdominal pain
- Neusea including Vomiting
- Anorexia
Filing a Depakote Birth Defect Lawsuit – what you need to know:
If you or your child have suffered due to the taking of Depakote there are legal avenue of recovery. Defective drug injury lawsuits against large pharmaceutical companies and generic drug manufacturers are challenging and require dedicated legal representation. Recovery against drug maufacturers in a lawsuits for child birth defects will require proving a product liability claim in the court of law. Generally there are three ways a plaintiffs attorney can prove the existence of a dangerous drug defect.- Defect in the Design of the product: In a drug design defect cause of action the attorney representing your case will have present evidence showing that the original design of the drug was inherently dangerous for consumers or that drug manufacturer failed to conduct reasonable testing of the drug before is sale to the general public.
- Defect in the manufacturing of Depakote: In a manufacturing defect cause of action a plaintiff injury attorney will have to prove that the final drug produced and brought to market is markedly different and as a result significantly more dangerous than the originally intended design approved by the FDA.
- Defect in the Labeling of the Drug: This cause of action is based on the notion that manufacturers of drug must warn potential customers of all known dangerous side effects associated with the prescription medication.
Compensation for Depakote Birth Defect Claims:
If you and your child have fallen victim Depakote you are entitled to recovery for all your losses and injuries associated with the defective drug. Liable parties can include designers of the drug, manufacturers including generic drug manufactures, and distributors. Compensation for a Depakote drug defect claim are usually based on many different factors including:- Hospitalization costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Cost for disabilities care
- Cost for corrective procedures and treatments
- Cost for nursing care and home aid
- Pain and suffering including mental trauma and post traumatic stress
- Loss of Income and future loss or reduction of salary based on a need to care for your child
- Punitive damages – where possible