A recent article published in The Journal of Research in Medical Sciences by Lelia Etemad et al. (2012) reviews the safety of prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).  With epilepsy affecting about 2.2 million Americans, this is a problem that must not be overlooked.

Though, states Etemad (2012), “the majority of children born to women with epilepsy are normal, they are at increased risk for malformations.”  Continuing, the author states “The incidence of major malformations in offspring of mothers with epilepsy who were treated with AEDs is higher than women with untreated epilepsy and in the general population. “

The congenital malformations that children born to mothers who used antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy such as Depacon, Depakene, and Depakote discussed in this study are “spina bifida, cleft palate, limb reduction defects, cardiac abnormalities, hypospadias, and gastrointestinal atresia.”

And while it is as of yet “uncertain” why an increased incidence of these diseases is observed in cases of prenatal exposure to sodium valproate, the fact remains that children born to mothers who used Depacon or drugs similar during pregnancy are more likely to be born with congenital malformations.

Due to the fact that many expecting mothers were unaware of these potential health consequences for their developing child, a number of Depacon lawsuits are currently being filed around the country.  If you used sodium valproate (Depakon) during pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect, you too may be entitled to significant financial compensation for harm to your family.

For more information on Depacon or a Depacon lawsuit, or for a free, no-obligation case consultation, please do not hesitate to contact our team of Depacon lawyers.  We have both the experience and resources required to bring you the justice you and your loved ones deserve.

Call today at (855) 452-5529 or write us an e-mail at justinian@dangerousdrugs.us to see how we can help!

For more information on Depacon, the birth defects caused by Depacon, and Depacon lawsuits, please feel free to visit our Depacon Lawsuit Information page.