In recent years, dozens of studies have been published illustrating an increased risk for birth defects linked to antiepileptic drugs containing sodium valproate such as Depacon, Depakene, and Depakote. While these drugs are effective in the mitigation of seizures, the risks posed to developing babies cannot go overlooked. Here, I will summarize one such study by G. Veiby et al., first appearing in the March, 2014 edition of Journal of Neurology. This study was titled “Fetal growth restriction and birth defects with newer and older antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.” and comes from University of Bergen (Bergen, Norway).
The team writes, “Deliveries recorded in the compulsory Medical Birth Registry of Norway 1999-2011 formed the study population.” In all, “2,600 children exposed to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy were compared to all 771,412 unexposed children born to women without epilepsy.”
Among other things, results showed that “Valproate monotherapy was associated with a significant risk of birth defects (6.3 vs. 2.9 %; OR 2.5; CI 1.6-3.8), and specifically with septal heart defects and hypospadias.” This means that children exposed to valproate in utero were 2.5 times as likely to be born with birth defects, specifically heart defects.
The team also found that if a mother who used valproate in pregnancy bore a child with a birth defect, the likelihood that she would bear another with a defect was 10.4 times higher than if she had not used the drug.
Because the manufacturers of these drugs have failed time and again to warn women of these risks, Depacon birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed around the world.
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, you 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 experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5528
Our Depacon Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Depacon.