Depakote Linked to Severe Birth Defects

The FDA issued a “black box” warning regarding the widely-used anti-seizure medication Depakote in October 2006 after discovering that children of women who took Depakote during pregnancy had a higher rate of serious birth defects, including spina bifida.

Medical studies show the use of Depakote during pregnancy has been associated with the following severe birth defects:

  • Spina bifida
  • Growth retardation
  • Cleft palate
  • Skeletal defects
  • Neural tube malformations
  • Heart malformations

Depakote is the brand version of the prescription anti-seizure medication divalproex. First approved in 1983, Depakote is prescribed for the treatment of seizure disorder, manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. In the past years, numerous medical studies and a “black box” warning show an association between maternal Depakote user during pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defect in fetuses.

If you or a loved one took Depakote during pregnancy and the baby was born with a severe birth defect, the family and child may be entitled to financial compensation to help with medical costs, future surgeries, physical therapy, special education needs, lost wages and other expenses.

Contact AkinMears, G.P. today for a free legal consultation. Complete the contact form on the right side of this page, or call toll free 877-534-5750, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for assistance.