New FDA Warning Against Topamax Migraine Medicine FDA Warning: Do You Take Topamax?

1. TOPAMAX BIRTH DEFECT WARNING
What is Topamax/ Topirimate?
Topamax and generic Topiramate are classified as anticonvulsants and are
primarily used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. However, they are also
prescribed to prevent migraine headaches and to help manage alcohol dependency.
FDA Warns Topamax & Topiramate Linked to Cleft Lips and Cleft
Palates
On March 4, 2011, the FDA warned that children born to women using
Topamax or generic Topiramate have an increased risk of being born with birth
defects cleft lip and cleft palate.
As a result, the FDA is strengthening warning labels on the brand and generic
versions of the drug. Cleft lip and cleft palate, collectively called oral clefts, are birth
defects that occur when parts of the lip or palate do not completely fuse together
early in the first trimester of pregnancy.

2. Frequency of Birth Injuries as a Result of Taking Prescription
Medication
Nearly 3% of all babies born every year in the U.S. suffer from birth
defects.Specific types of prescription drugs taken during pregnancy can significantly
increase the chances of a mother giving birth to a child with certain defects.
Some of the drugs that have been responsible for birth defects in the past are:
Accutane, Topamax, Paxil, Prozac, Terbutaline, and Zoloft, Zyban, Wellbutrin,
Effexor, and now Topamax
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are deformities to the facial and oral areas of a child
that occur most commonly during the early stages of pregnancy, as the baby is
developing.
This occurs when there is a lack of tissue covering the mouth or lip region,
and the available tissue fails to join together correctly.
The child is left with a narrow opening in the skin of his or her upper lip. The
majority of this type of injury is the result of unknown causes.
There also exists the possibility of medical malpractice. This can be due to a
medication the mother was taking while pregnant or as the result of the mother being
exposed to viruses or chemicals as the fetus is developing.
If you or a loved one took Topamax/Topirimate during pregnancy, you and your child
have legal rights! Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation. Find Out Now
Here!