A Fairview Heights man has filed a class action lawsuit against the makers of Depakote for allegedly causing catastrophic birth defects in dozens of children. The plaintiff alleges that Abbott Laboratories failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the potential side effects associated with the drug. Birth defects linked to Depakote include spina bifida, cleft palate, and congenital heart defects.
Depakote Birth Defects Update 1/24/13: A new study has determined that Depakote can cause lowered IQ’s and other cognitive deficiencies in children born to mothers who take the drug during pregnancy. Specifically, the research found that babies exposed to Depakote in the womb had IQ’s that were seven to 10 points lower than other children at age six, as well as reduced language skills and memory capacity. Click here to learn more.
Free Depakote Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with a congenital defect you feel may have been caused by Depakote, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.
What’s the problem?
April 25, 2011 – Last month, a Depakote class action lawsuit was filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court in Illinois alleging that Abbott Laboratories failed to adequately warn about the drug’s potential side effects, which have been linked to a variety of catastrophic birth defects including:
- Spina Bifida
- Cleft Palate
- Abnormal Skull Formation
- Malformed Limbs and Extra Toes/Fingers
- Urinary Problems
- Heart Problems
- Mental Disabilities
First introduced in the early 1980’s as an anticonvulsant, bipolar, and migraine headache medication, Depakote is currently used to treat epilepsy and, less frequently, depression. As a result of inadequate warnings, Depakote has been used by many pregnant women, resulting in devastating birth defects in a high number of children around the country. After nearly 30 years on the market, many are questioning whether the benefits of the drug justify the potential risks.
Research has found that Depakote could cause harm to the unborn fetus as early as the first trimester, a time when women may not even realize they’re pregnant. In light of these findings, in 2006 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) required the labels of Depakote to include a ‘Black Box’ warning – the strictest allowed by law – notifying users of the potential Depakote side effects.
Do I have a Depakote Lawsuit?
The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Depakote lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new birth defects cases in all 50 states.