Studies show the use of Depakote during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects. Depakote, or valproic acid, is an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy, seizures, migraines and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Some doctors also prescribe the medication off-label to treat agitation associated with dementia. Depakote is a pregnancy category D drug, which means studies have shown taking this dangerous drug during pregnancy increases a baby’s risk for birth defects, although doctors can still prescribe Depakote to pregnant women if they feel the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risk to the baby. If your baby was harmed by Depakote taken during pregnancy, an experienced drug attorney can protect your family’s rights.
A Look at the Research
European researchers found that taking Depakote during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of six birth defects, including:
- Spina bifida
- A heart condition known as an atrial septal defect
- Cleft palate
- Hypospadias (where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis instead of on the end)
- Craniosynostosis (when the bones of the skull close too early)
- Polydactyly (having more than five fingers per hand)
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed more than 98,000 pregnancies. Researchers found that taking valproic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy:
- Increased the risk of spina bifida by more than 12 times and the risk of craniosynostosis by nearly seven times
- Resulted in about a five-fold increase of the risk for both a cleft palate and hypospadias
- Doubled the risk of both atrial septal defect and polydactyly
Another study found that congenital defects and infant death are significantly more common with women taking Depakote during pregnancy versus other anti-seizure drugs, which suggests Depakote should be a last resort for pregnant women, prescribed at the lowest possible dose and only when alternative medications prove ineffective.
Despite the risks associated with taking Depakote during pregnancy, as well as its other dangerous side effects, including fever, swollen glands, suicidal thoughts, mood swings, blisters, rash, pancreatitis, and difficulty breathing or swallowing, Depakote is not a recalled drug. Sadly, even when drug recalls are issued for unsafe medications, oftentimes they come too late, after countless people have already been harmed. If a dangerous or defective drug harmed you or a loved one, contact a qualified drug lawyer today to learn about your rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.