Topamax Birth Defects

Women who took Topamax or the generic version topiramate during pregnancy have an increased risk of delivering children with oral cleft birth defects, according to a FDA announcement. Data from a registry of pregnant women revealed that infants who were exposed to the drug had a 1.4% rate of oral Topamax birth defects, a number three times greater than that among children exposed to other seizure medications during pregnancy.

Due to the new information on Topamax birth defects, women who delivered a child with a cleft palate or cleft lip after taking the drug during pregnancy may have legal recourse. Complete our free case evaluation form today to find out if you can file a claim to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages.

Topamax Birth Defects: Cleft Palates and Lips

Topamax birth defects affect the area around the mouth, and can include cleft palates and cleft lips. These birth defects are facial and oral malformations which typically occur during the first trimester when many women are unaware that they are pregnant. Oral clefts which develop in children exposed to Topamax during pregnancy result when there is not enough available tissue in the mouth or lip area, and the tissue that is present does not fuse together correctly.

A Topamax cleft lip can range from a small notch in the upper lip to a split which extends into the nose. A cleft palate may present a small malformation or large separation of the palate. Depending on the severity of the Topamax birth defect, the child may have difficulty eating, speaking and breathing. Additional complications of Topamax birth defects may include dental problems, ear infections and hearing loss.

Topamax Birth Defects Lawsuits

Because there are a number of medical problems associated with Topamax birth defects, a team of medical professionals may be needed to care for the child. Typically, a surgeon will be required to evaluate the oral birth defects and perform necessary surgeries. Dental professionals, speech therapists, and audiologists may also be required if the Topamax birth defect presents other complications. Treatment of oral Topamax birth defects can result in costly medical bills; however, there may be legal recourse available to women who delivered children with Topamax birth defects after taking the drug during pregnancy.

If you bore a child with a Topamax birth defect, fill out our free case review form for a no cost, no obligation review of your claim.