Topamax Clefts

Topamax and its generic counterpart Topiramate are used to treat seizures in adult patients with epilepsy and to prevent migraines, and can also be prescribed for off-label uses such as the treatment of bi-polar disorder and weight loss. Unfortunately, taking the drug during pregnancy has been linked to Topamax oral birth defects, including cleft lip and cleft palate in newborns. The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry collected data linking the drug to Topamax and Topiramate congenital birth defects, which led to increased FDA Topamax warnings for pregnant mothers.

Women who have delivered a child with Topamax cleft lip or cleft palate may be able to participate in a Topamax or Topiramate lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills and pain and suffering. If your child was born with a Topamax birth defect after you took the drug while pregnant, contact our attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Risk of Topamax Birth Defects

The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry recently revealed troubling data concerning the link between Topamax, Topiramate, and oral birth defects. According to their data, as many as 1.4% of infants exposed to Topamax during pregnancy may develop cleft lip or cleft palate, compared to .37-.55% of infants exposed to other seizure medications. The incidence rate of cleft palate and lip for infants who were not exposed to these medications is only .07%.

Topiramate cleft palate and cleft lip are congenital conditions that develop during the first three months of pregnancy. They are the result of a failure of the lip or palate to properly fuse together, and generally require surgery to correct. These Topamax birth defects often lead to difficulty eating or speaking, and can cause disfiguration in the child's face, as well as ear infections.

FDA Topamax, Topiramate Warnings

The FDA warning on the Topamax label has been strengthened in response to the data described above, the drug having been moved from a category C to a category D medication. This shift represents what was before only a suggested risk of fetal injury based on animal research, which has now turned into a positive risk based on human data. Women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider if they are currently taking Topamax or Topiramate, or may be in the future.

Topamax and Topiramate Lawsuits

Women who have delivered an infant born with Topiramate birth defects may be able to recover compensation through a Topamax lawsuit. If you have delivered a child with Topamax birth defects contact our experienced Topamax lawyers today for a free consultation and see if you are eligible to participate in a Topamax lawsuit.