Personal Injury Law

FDA warns of birth defects with Topamax

By Hurley, McKenna & Mertz

The Food and Drug Administration has issued an incredibly important warning to female consumers. The FDA is ?warning women of child-bearing age that the epilepsy drug Topamax can increase the risk of birth defects around the mouth.? (Washington AP, 3/4). The drug, which is marketed by Johnson & Johnson ?to control seizures cause by epilepsy?[and] is also used to relieve migraine headaches.? Consumers should also remember there is a generic drug known as topiramate has the same risks as Topomax.

The warning follows data collected from a registry of pregnant women, which suggests that a baby is more likely to have cleft lip and cleft palate if their mother took Topamax during the first trimester.

Women taking any form of the drug should consult with her doctor immediately regarding pregnancy. As a Chicago area Medical Malpractice attorney, I urge all women who are pregnant are who are planning to become pregnant to consult with their doctors about the risks associated with Topamax or its generic.

Full post as published by Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog on March 15, 2011 (boomark / email).