Another article demonstrating that prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs containing valproate like Depacon is associated with birth defects, “Valproate and the risk for congenital malformations: Is formulation and dosage regime important?” was published in the April, 2012 edition of the medical journal Seizure by E. Mawhinney et al. of Belfast, UK.
In light of warnings to this effect by the United States FDA, the manufacturer of Depacon (also Depakote, Depakene) – Abbott Laboratories, Inc. – failed to warn women of these risks, prompting class-action Depacon lawsuits worldwide.
Plainly, the team states in the “Background” section of their piece, “Use of valproate in pregnancy, especially in doses over 1000mg a day, is known to be associated with a higher risk for major congenital malformations compared with other antiepileptic drugs.”
Using the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register, the team studied “Outcome data … for 1109 pregnancies exposed to valproate in monotherapy. Exposure to 1000mg a day or more of valproate was associated with almost double the risk of major congenital malformation compared with daily valproate doses below 1000mg daily (8.86% vs 4.88%, RR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.9).”
Concluding that “Prescribing controlled release valproate or multiple daily administrations in pregnancy did not reduce the risk for malformations” and “Higher malformation rates observed with in utero exposure to valproate are more likely related to total daily dose, rather than peak serum levels”, this article can be used in a Depacon birth defect lawsuit to demonstrate to a court that Abbott Laboratories knew, or should have known, the risks associated with its products.
If you or a loved one used Depacon, Depakote, or Depakene during pregnancy and your child was born with a congenital malformation or had perinatal complications, your family may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Depacon birth defect lawyers at the information provided below. We have the compassion, experience, and resources required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
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Our Depacon Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Depacon.