Women taking Topamax or its generic form Topiramate during pregnancy have an increased risk of delivering a child with a Topiramate cleft palate or cleft lip, according to the FDA. Data from the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry revealed that the risk of oral birth defects is up to 16 times higher among those who took topiramate or the branded drug Topamax during pregnancy. FDA approved for seizure treatment and migraine prevention, the drug was also used on an off-label basis to treat alcoholism, bipolar disorder, obesity and other conditions. If you took the drug during pregnancy, and delivered a child with a Topiramate cleft palate or lip, visit http://www.classaction.org/topamax.html to learn more about your legal rights.
The data which prompted the FDA Safety Announcement regarding
Topiramate birth defects found that 1.4% of infants exposed to topiramate during pregnancy developed a cleft palate or cleft lip, compared with .38% to .55% of children exposed to other antiepileptic drugs. Infants who were not exposed to epilepsy medications during pregnancy had a much lower risk of developing oral birth defects (.07%). Due to the increased risk of Topiramate cleft palates and cleft lips, the FDA will strengthen the drug’s warning label.
Topiramate cleft palates and lips, which can result from use of the epilepsy drug during pregnancy, occur when sections of the lip or palate do not join together properly. These oral birth defects typically develop during the first trimester of pregnancy, when many women are unaware that they are pregnant. Topiramate birth defects can range from a small notch in the lip to a groove that extends into the palate and nose. Visual symptoms of Topiramate cleft palates and cleft lips are usually apparent at birth, though the condition may also cause non-aesthetic problems such as speech difficulties, trouble eating and ear infections.
Treatment for
Topiramate cleft palates and cleft lips, which may include surgery and speech therapy, can be costly. However, those who elect to file a Topamax lawsuit may be able to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages. To find out if you can seek compensation for your child’s Topiramate cleft palate or cleft lip, visit Class Action.org today and complete the free case review form. The attorneys working with the site are offering this online consultation at no cost and remain committed to protecting the rights of women who have delivered children with Topiramate birth defects.
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Class Action.org is dedicated to protecting consumers and investors in class actions and complex litigation throughout the United States. Class Action.org keeps consumers informed about product alerts, recalls, and emerging litigation and helps them take action against the manufacturers of defective products, drugs, and medical devices. Information about consumer fraud issues and environmental hazards is also available on the site. Visit http://www.classaction.org today for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation and information about your consumer rights.
