In 1998, a report published Annals of Pharmacotherapy by DP Lewis et al. aimed to illustrate the importance of folic acid during pregnancy, and as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) lower serum folic acid levels, this report also illustrates that AEDs can be dangerous for a developing fetus. The main ingredient in most AEDs used today is sodium valproate (also “valproic acid,” “sodium divalproex”).
To gather data, this research team used computerized international medical literature databases to gather “journal articles published through December 1997. … Search terms included phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, valproic acid, oral contraceptives, clomiphene, drug-induced abnormalities, spina bifida, anencephaly, neural tube defect, folate, folic acid, and folic acid deficiency.” (emphasis added)
Once Lewis et al. had gathered and a reviewed number of relevant historical studies about the safety of AEDs and their use in pregnancy, the authors concluded that “Women receiving folate-lowering drugs may be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, epileptic women contemplating pregnancy should be treated with the minimum number of folate-lowering drugs possible and receive folic acid supplementation.” (emphasis added)
Due to the fact that many women and women’s health professionals were not made aware of the risks associated with sodium valproate (Depacon, others) a number of Depacon lawsuits are currently being filed.
If you or a loved one used Depacon during pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for the injury sustained to your family through no fault of your own.
For more information on Depacon or Depacon lawsuits, please do not hesitate to contact our team of Depacon lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve.
(855) 452-5529