On March 4, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a news release notifying the public of an increased risk of oral birth defects in children born to mothers who have taken the anticonvulsant drug Topamax (Topiramate) while pregnant.
Cleft lip and cleft palate, collectively called oral clefts, are birth defects that occur when parts of the lip or palate do not completely fuse together early in the first trimester of pregnancy, a time when many women do not know they are pregnant. The defects range from a small notch in the lip to a groove that runs into the roof of the mouth and nose, possibly leading to problems with eating, talking, and to ear infections. Surgery often is performed to close the lip and palate, and most children do well after treatment.
Other congenital birth defects may also occur, including limb malformations, heart defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, lung defects, hypospadias, craniofacial defects, and neural tube defects.
Topamax (Topiramate) is generally prescribed to treat epilepsy in children and adults, as well as Lennox-Gastault syndrome (which also causes seizures and developmental delays). Topamax and its generic versions are also used to prevent migraine headaches, but have also been marketed for the treatment of bipolar disorder, weight loss, alcohol dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, autism, and other conditions. In May 2010, the manufacturers of Topamax pled guilty to illegally promoting Topamax for these and other unapproved psychiatric uses, even though the FDA had not granted approval of the drug for such uses. As part of a settlement, the manufacturers were forced to pay fines exceeding $81 million.
If you or a loved one took Topamax or its generic variant (Topiramate) and have given birth to a child with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or other birth defects, please call The Brad Hendricks Law Firm today at (501) 221-0444 or (800) 603-5100.
