The epilepsy and migraine drug Depakote has been linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida and other birth defects. Patients who took Depakote during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with any of these birth defects may wish to speak with a Depakote lawyer to learn more about filing a lawsuit.

Depakote has only been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of migraines, epilepsy and manic episodes during bipolar disorder. Lawsuits filed by the federal government and several U.S. states have alleged that Depakote was illegally promoted for the treatment of unapproved conditions, including agitation, aggression, autism, sexual compulsion and other conditions.

In October 2011, Abbott Pharmaceuticals—the manufacturer of Depakote—agreed to pay $1.3 billion to settle these claims regarding the illegal promotion of the drug. Women who took Depakote during the course of their pregnancy—even for condition unapproved by the FDA—may have given birth to a child with neural tube defects—including spina bifida or anencephaly—or other birth defects.

In addition to warnings by the FDA linking Depakote to neural tube defects, the drug has also been associated with an increased risk of other side effects, including atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary value atresia, cleft palate, hypospadias, clubfoot, polydactyly and craniosynostosis. Despite these warnings by the FDA, Abbott has not announced any plans to issue a Depakote recall.

If you or a loved one took Depakote while pregnant and gave birth to a child with neural tube defects, spina bifida or other birth defects, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. For a free legal consultation, contact the attorneys at Hissey Kientz, LLP by calling toll-free at 1-866-275-4454, or by filling out the free case evaluation form located on this page.