Depakote Side Effects

Divalproex sodium (Depakote) is a drug used to treat epileptic seizures, bipolar disorder, migraines and possibly other medical issues. 

In December 2009, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Depakote warning about the increased risk of side effects in newborns when Depakote was taken during pregnancy. As of October 2011, the drug has yet to be recalled. 

The Depakote side effects in newborns can include: 

• Neural tube defects - birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. 
• Craniofacial defects - birth defects that affect bones or soft tissue in the face and head, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. 
• Cardiovascular malformations - structural defects of a newborn’s heart (also called congenital heart defects). These can include an atrial septal defect (malformed heart) or arterial defects. 
• Hypospadias - birth defect that affects the development of the urethra. In boys, the urethra is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the end. 
• Polydactyly - a limb deformity causing more than five fingers on the hand. 
• Impaired Cognitive Development - wer cognitive (brain-based skills) test scores 

Again, Depakote has not yet been recalled. However, the FDA has Depakote listed as a pregnancy category D, which is a warning that means: 

There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. 

Has your child suffered any of the Depakote side effects listed above because you took the drug thinking it was safe? Contact the Depakote lawyers at the Simmons Law Firm today for more information about a possible Depakote lawsuit. You could be entitled to compensation.* 

Additional Depakote Side Effects 

Depakote has been linked life-threatening liver failure, especially in children younger than 2 years old. These children may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they: 

• Have a metabolic disorder (a combination of concurrent medical disorders that can lead to cardiovascular disease or diabetes) 
• Have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection) 
• Use more than one seizure medication. *Note: Depakote is sometimes used along with other anti-seizure medications 

Depakote has also been linked to life-threatening pancreatitis in children and adults. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may not appear until after a person has been on Depakote for three years or more. 

Those on Depakote should make sure to tell your doctor if they have any of these other conditions: 

• Liver disease 
• Bleeding or blood clotting issues 
• History of head injury, brain disorder, or coma 
• Family history of a urea cycle disorder or infant deaths with unknown cause 
• HIV or CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection 

Let your doctor know about any Depakote symptoms involving thoughts of suicide or depression. Your family or other caregivers should also pay attention to changes to your mood. 

While on Depakote, your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. 

Contact the Simmons Firm today if you need additional information. Or read more about Depakote lawsuits. 

*Please note that recovery results vary per client. The recovery amounts in each case reflect the specific facts of that case. Further, recovery amounts in past cases are not a guarantee of future results.

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyPodcasts/ucm261653.htm http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm192649.htm http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy-categories.html