Topamax

Topamax Highlights

In March 2011, the FDA reclassified Topamax as a Pregnancy Category D drug indicating that women who take this drug while pregnant are more likely to have a child with a birth defect.
Women who take Topamax while pregnant have a 1.4% chance of having a child with a cleft lip or cleft palate while women who take other epilepsy drugs face a 0.38% to 0.55% chance of having a child with a cleft lip or cleft palate.

Lawsuits and Investigations

About Topamax

Topamax® is the brand name of Topiramate, and is an antiepilepsy drug. Topama x® has been approved by the FDA to treat both epilepsy and migraines. It is also sometimes prescribed for certain off label uses such as bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcoholism, to help patients stop smoking and to treat cluster headaches.

While this drug can help many manage their epilepsy and migraines, it is not without dangers. Common side effects include paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, memory problems and speech problems.This drug has also been linked to increased suicide rates among those who take the drug.

In addition to the possibility of a number of side effects, women who take this drug while pregnant face an increased likelihood that her child will have a birth defect. In particular, children whose mother took Topamax® during pregnancy are more likely to have a cleft lip or cleft palate than mothers who took other epilepsy drugs. The FDA found that 1.4% of mothers who took Topamax® had a child with a cleft lip or cleft palate. This is significantly higher than the 0.38 to 0.55% of mothers who took other epilepsy medications.

On March 4, 2011 the FDA issued a warning addressing the potential for birth defects in children whose mothers take Topamax®. The FDA recommended that women who are of child-bearing age consult with their doctor about alternatives to Topamax®. Further, the FDA recommends that if a woman decides to take Topamax®, proper birth control should be used. If she does become pregnant, she should consult with her doctor right away because birth defects such as oral clefts occur early in the pregnancy. Finally, the FDA warned not to stop taking Topamax® suddenly and to consult with a doctor prior to stopping.

If you took Topamax while pregnant and your child was born with cleft lip or cleft palate you may be entitled to a cash settlement. Please complete the form and one of our attorneys will contact you, or call 1-800-LAW-FIRM now.