Topamax Lawsuit
Topamax is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat certain types of seizures in patients who suffer from epilepsy. It can be taken alone or with other anti-seizure medications. It has also been approved for the treatment of migraines. There are many side effects associated with taking the drug; many of the side effects may be considered more serious than others.
Studies have found that Topamax, also dispensed in a generic version called Topiramate, can cause birth defects in children of mothers who have taken the drug during the first trimester of pregnancy. Taking Topamax during this time of pregnancy increases the risks of oral deformities in newborns. The Food and Drug Administration is warning expectant mothers and women of childbearing age about these risks. Unfortunately, Topamax has been prescribed to women who were pregnant and those who were at risk of becoming pregnant since 1998.
It is particularly dangerous because the defects occur in the first three months of pregnancy, when the development of the lip or palate takes place. In addition, many women may not know they are pregnant within this timeframe. This would make it nearly impossible for women taking Topamax to take any necessary precautions to reduce the risk of deformities to their unborn babies. However, it is advised that Topamax should not be discontinued abruptly because this could have serious repercussions to both the mother and her unborn child. Instead, the mother should consult her physician immediately to discuss other alternative medications that can be used during her pregnancy. It is important to continue to treat epilepsy even while pregnant because seizures can have a potentially dangerous effect on a mother and her fetus.
Topamax lawsuits filed against the makers of the drug are making it possible for women who have given birth to babies with any of these types of deformities to seek compensation against the manufacturer. The manufacturer is responsible for properly identifying all risks associated with taking their drug. In this case, warnings on the drug Topamax were not sufficient enough to warn expectant or potential mothers of the risks.
Topamax lawsuit lawyers can seek compensation for damages including speech and/or eating problems in children born to mothers taking Topamax during pregnancy, as well as surgery and operation costs. The lawyer will take into consideration all expenses incurred as a result of taking Topamax when they fight for the rights of the victims.
The FDA is actively advising health care professionals of the risks involved with taking the prescribed drug while pregnant or at risk of becoming pregnant. It is recommended that doctors warn expectant mothers and women of childbearing age about the potential dangers while taking it. These women should be familiar with the risks and be aware of their options.
