Topamax and Pregnancy

Cleft Lips and Palates: Topamax Birth Defects

Data from a registry of pregnant women revealed that infants exposed to topiramate or the branded drug Topamax during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing a cleft lip or cleft palate. Specifically, the data revealed that infants exposed to the seizure and migraine medication had a 1.4 percent rate of oral Topamax birth defects, a number which is three times higher than the rate seen among children exposed to other seizure drugs. The rate of cleft lips and palates was even lower (.07%) in patients not taking any antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.

If you delivered a child with a cleft palate or cleft lip after taking Topamax during pregnancy, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages. Complete our free case review form with details of your Topamax birth defect claim for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation.

Topamax Cleft Lips

According to new data, children exposed to topiramate during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing a Topamax cleft lip. A common congenital deformity, a cleft lip is a type of birth defect which occurs very early in pregnancy. A cleft lip develops when there is not enough tissue in the mouth or lip area, and the tissue that is present does not fuse together properly. A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the upper lip which may extend beyond the base of the nose. Typically, a Topamax cleft lip will appear as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip.

Topamax Cleft Palates

A possible Topamax birth defect, a cleft palate develops when the child's mouth does not develop as it should, leaving an opening in the palate which may extend through the nasal cavity. A Topamax cleft palate can form on the front part of the roof of the mouth or the uvula, which is the small piece of tissue that hangs in the back of the throat. Topamax cleft palates may appear alone, or along with a cleft lip. Until surgically treated, this Topamax birth defect may create difficulties hearing, speaking and feeding.

Topamax Lawsuits

Because Topamax cleft palates and cleft lips may cause a number of complications, the child may need the assistance of dental professionals, speech therapists and audiologists, in addition to surgeons. These treatments may be expensive, resulting in costly medical bills for the child's parents. When an oral birth defect results from the use of Topamax during pregnancy, however, legal recourse may be available. If you took Topamax or topiramate while pregnant and delivered a child with an oral birth defect, complete our free case evaluation form to find out if you can participate in a Topamax lawsuit.