Topamax is an anticonvulsant drug prescribed to epileptics. The medication accounted for 21 percent of all drugs prescribed to treat epilepsy in 2008. During this same year, U.S. sales exceeded $10 billion for Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s manufacturer and a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary. Unfortunately, the medication- which is also used to treat migraines- can have serious side effects.
Studies have linked Topamax with birth defects when infants are exposed in utero. Topamax use by pregnant mothers may significantly increase the risk of children being born with oral cleft palates. Studies demonstrate that pregnant women who take Topamax during their first trimester have a 20 times greater risk of having children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. While evidence suggests that drug manufacturers may have been aware of this as far back as 1997, patients did not receive adequate warning until March of 2011 when the FDA released a warning alert on the risk of Topamax birth defects. Thousands of children and families had already been affected by the time of this warning and many have begun to pursue legal action.
If your child was born with an oral cleft palate that you believe is linked to Topamax use, you have legal rights. An experienced defective drug lawyer at Carey, Danis & Lowe can help you to take action and make a claim for compensation. Call today to speak with a member of our legal team and learn more.
Victims of Topamax Birth Defects Have Rights
Victims who take drugs that cause unexpected side effects may be able to obtain monetary damages from the drug manufacturer. Regardless of whether the drug company was negligent or not, Janssen Pharmaceuticals can be held liable for damages if it can be demonstrated that Topamax was the direct cause of harm to children.
The FDA has warned that children who were exposed to Topamax had as much as a 20 times greater chance of being born with an oral cleft palate than if their mothers had not taken the drug. The link between Topamax and cleft palates has also been established successfully in past cases, with a Philadelphia jury awarding $3 million in damages and a Virginia jury awarding $4.02 million in compensation in another Topamax claim. While every case is different, those who have been harmed can put together a strong claim to show that the drug was dangerous and resulted in losses and damages.
Getting Legal Help with Topamax Litigation in St. Louis
Children who suffer from oral cleft palates may require multiple surgeries to treat their condition. Take legal action today to make Janssen Pharmaceuticals pay for medical expenses and other damages. Carey, Danis & Lowe is here to help, so call now to speak with a member of our legal team and learn about topamax litigation in St. Louis and your rights.
