Topamax Side Effects
The migraine and epilepsy drug Topamax and its generic equivalent, Topiramate, have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Researchers have found that women who take Topiramate or Topamax during pregnancy are 21-times more likely to give birth to a child who suffers from the side effects of these drug.
Children born to women who used Topiramate or Topamax while pregnant are more likely to suffer from congenital birth defects, including cleft lip, cleft palate and other oral cleft injuries. Other side effects of Topamax may include giving birth to a baby with spina bifida, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), heart defects, limb malformations, genital birth defects, hypospadias, craniofacial defects, lung defects and neural tube defects.
Based upon these risks to the fetus observed by researchers, the Food and Drug Administration moved Topamax and Topiramate to its Pregnancy Category D, meaning that the drugs have a proven risk of causing birth defects. In spite of the stronger warnings placed on the drug, the FDA has not announced plans to issue a Topamax recall.
If you or a loved one have given birth to a child suffering from Topamax side effects such as cleft lip, cleft palate or other injuries, contact the lawyers at Hissey Kientz, LLP to learn more about your legal rights. You can reach us by calling toll-free at 1-866-275-4454, or by filling out a free case evaluation form to the right of this page.