Know the risk of Topamax birth defects during pregnancy.

Posted by williamriddle on June 28th, 2011

Topamax lawsuits are fast becoming a nationwide craze in the recent months. Discovered in the year 1979, Topiramate (marketed as Topamax) is an anti-epileptic drug originally produced by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics and Noramco, Inc. The drug was first made available in the United States in 1996 by the giant company John & Johnson. While it is used to prevent seizures in people who are epileptic, other side effects have come to exist both in women of child bearing age and pregnant women who are under Topamax medication. To prevent Topamax birth defects, pay close attention to the details below. In the United Kingdom, a Topamax study was conducted in the year 2008 which concluded that women exposed to topiramate during pregnancy had a 4.8% chance of bearing babies with major birth effects. The result is relatively alarming compared to a 1-2% of birth defect risks in normal population. In addition, the study concluded that women who are under topiramate as a part of polytherapy had a 11.2% risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects. Also, according to the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register, Topamax birth defects (particularly an oral cleft) are 16 times more likely to develop in pregnant women whose under this medication compared to the rest of the population. Likewise, the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry can also attest Topamax birth defects. In response to the studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning women that intake of Topamax increases the risk of birth defects. The FDA also categorized the drug under pregnancy D, which indicates that it carries a positive health risk to human data. In March 2011, the FDA commands the healthcare team to inform women about the risks of birth defects while under Topamax medication. In this regard, when you are taking this medication and that your child is evidently showing birth defects, you may contact an attorney and see if your case qualifies under Topamax lawsuits. Pharmaceutical manufacturers have an immense responsibility to produce efficient and safe drugs. With the growing cases of Topamax birth defects, there also goes a growing rate of Topamax lawsuits filed against the manufacturer. Clearly, it is highly advised that you’d speak to your healthcare provider first before taking any kind of medication especially when you are nursing your unborn baby. So if you are planning to get pregnant or you think that you might be pregnant, you have to seriously talk to your doctor about your condition. While Topamax can treat seizures, you have to particularly note that the drug, too, can harm your unborn baby. When drugs pose health risks to patients, pharmaceutical companies may be held liable for any life threatening result. For Topamax birth defects, you sure can find the best lawyers to help you file Topamax lawsuits against the manufacturer. As a consumer and as a parent, you should know that you are entitled to justice and compensation if anything happens to you and to your baby while under Topamax medication. And if unfortunate case happens, pharmaceutical lawyers can always advocate your medical and legal rights. Topamax lawsuits are rising in numbers. If your infant was born with Topamax birth defects, look for a pharmaceutical lawyer who can help you take legal action.