TOPAMAX

Topamax (also known as Topiramate) is a popular drug used to treat seizures associated with epilepsy but also for many off-label purposes, such as migraine headache treatment or weight loss.   Manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Topamax has been prescribed to over 800,000 people since its introduction in the late 1990s.   Unfortunately, Topamax has since been the subject of several warnings concerning serious side effects.

Topamax Birth Defects Warning

Topamax and anti-epilepsy drugs like it are within a class of drugs already known to increase the risk of birth defects.   In March 2011, the FDA announced that it was strengthening the warning on Topamax due to recent data on Topamax birth defect side effects.  The new FDA data showed a heightened risk of birth defects, specifically cleft palate and cleft lip, for children of mothers who took Topamax during the first trimester of pregnancy.    Further, the data suggested that the risk of birth defects from Topamax is significantly higher even than drugs within the same class.

Not Topamax's First Risk Warning

Topamax made news in 2006 when Ortho-McNeil issued a warning regarding eye disorder side-effects associated with the use of Topamax.   Such serious eye disorders such as secondary angle closure glaucoma and acute myopia are characterized by blurred vision and chronic eye pain.  At least 23 patients taking Topamax were known to have developed glaucoma.   Ortho-McNeil claims that these conditions are reversible and goes away upon discontinuation of taking the drug, but failure to act immediately upon the onset of these side effects can lead to permanent and serious vision problems.

Contact a Topamax birth defect attorney today.

Davis & Crump is now handling claims for mothers of children who have suffered a birth defect after the mother's ingestion of Topamax.   Davis & Crump is experienced in pharmaceutical product liability cases and settlements.   If you or a loved one has a child with a birth defect which you believe was caused by Topamax, contact us at 1-800-277-0300 or send us an email at info@daviscrump.com.