Topamax (topiramate) is a type of anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug used to help prevent seizures in children 2 years and older and adults. It is used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches. It is a tablet manufactured by Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries that is taken orally and should be swallowed whole. Frequent blood tests are recommended for patients on this medication. Topamax was also promoted for treatment for bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders without being approved for such treatments. Recently, many news articles have circulated about the side effects of the use of Tompamax.

In 2001, the manufacturer submitted a letter about patients that had developed acute myopia. In 2010, fines of $81.5 million were levied against two Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries for illegally promoting certain off-label uses of this drug. In 2011 the FDA released a report that warned about the possibility of congenital defects in babies born to women taking Topamax.

Topamax Side Effects:

• Acute myopia
• Congenital Birth Defects
• Cleft lip or palate
• Spina Bifida
• Heart defects
• Limb malformations
• Craniofacial defects
• Genital birth defects
• Hypospadias
• PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
• Neural tube defects
• Lung defects

The FDA has upgraded Topamax to the Pregnancy Category D, which means that the risk of the drug causing birth defects has been proven. Data showed that there was a 21% higher chance that pregnant women taking Topamax would bear children with cleft palate or lip defects. There have been a number of Topamax lawsuits filed by mothers who were on this drug during pregnancy that gave birth to children with cleft lip or other birth defects.

Topamax Lawyers Accepting Cases Now

If you or someone you love was pregnant while taking Topamax and gave birth to a child with such birth defects as spina bifida or cleft palate, contact the Topamax lawyers at Pulaski Law Firm P.L.L.C. for information about Topamax lawsuits.

You can speak with one of our Topamax lawyers during a free consultation where your case will be examined and you will receive information on your legal rights.