The Food and Drug Administration has warned of an increased risk of Depakote side effects among children whose mothers took the seizure and migraine drug during pregnancy. More than one in 10 women who used Depakote during pregnancy gave birth to a child with birth defects, according to the results of a study reported by the FDA.

Neural tube defects affecting the skull, brain or spinal cord are among the most serious side effects of Depakote affecting children whose mothers took the drug during pregnancy. According to the FDA, babies who were exposed to Depakote during the first trimester of pregnancy are as much as 80 times more likely than the general population to be born with neural tube defects, including spina bifida or anencephaly.

Even when compared to other antiepilepsy drugs, women taking Depakote are still four times more likely to give birth to a child with birth defects. Other side effects associated with the use of Depakote during pregnancy include craniofacial defects such as a cleft lip or cleft palate and heart defects.

Due to the high risk of birth defects associated with the use of Depakote while pregnant, the FDA has advised women of childbearing age to use effective birth control in order to minimize their risk of becoming pregnant while taking the drug. The agency also advised these women to take folic acid supplements, which can help to minimize the risk of neural tube defects should they become pregnant during treatment with Depakote.

If you or a loved one used Depakote during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with neural tube defects or other side effects, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. For a free legal consultation, contact the lawyers 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.