Titled “Malformation in infants of mothers with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs.”, a piece of Japanese medical research by S. Kaneko et al. published in April, 1992 helps show just how long it has been known that prenatal exposure to epilepsy drugs containing valproate is linked to birth defects.  Depacon, Depakote, and Depakene are top examples of these drugs and are manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

Aiming “To assess the relative contribution of antiepileptic drugs (AEDS) to occurrence of congenital malformations, [this research team] compared two prospective studies” and “analyzed data for 14 AEDs for total daily doses (drug score) and eight background factors.”

“From the first study, the drug score and polytherapy–particularly the use of valproate plus carbamazepine–were suspected to be primary factors for increased incidence of congenital malformation. In the other study, the drug score for each case was decreased, and polytherapy–particularly valproate plus carbamazepine–was changed to monotherapy before conception. These changes significantly decreased the incidence of malformations.”  This means valproate contributed to birth defects more than the other drug.

The team writes that “When data were corrected for seizure type, maternal age at delivery, or etiology of epilepsy, the difference in the incidence of malformations did not disappear, but it did disappear when data were corrected for drug score or number of AEDs. These results support our previous observations that AEDs are primary factors for the increased incidence of congenital malformation in infants of mothers with epilepsy.”

Due to the fact that Abbott and other epilepsy drug manufacturers have failed to warn women of these risks, even though it is clearly demonstrable that the companies knew, or should have known the risks, Depacon birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed around the world.

If you or a loved one used Depacon, Depakote, or Depakene while pregnant and your child was born with a birth defect or 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.

(855) 452 – 5528

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

Our Depacon Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Depacon.