Topamax (topiramate) is an anti-seizure medicine made by Johnson & Johnson.

Topamax is approved by the FDA to help control seizures caused by epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes excessive nerve signals in the brain, and the syndrome called Lennox-Gastaut. The drug was also approved in 2004 to prevent migraine headaches. Roughly 4.3 million patients filled prescriptions for the drug between 2007 and 2010.

Topamax linked to birth defects, $15 million in jury verdicts for families in October & November 2013

Taking Topamax during pregnancy raises the risk of oral cleft birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate according to a 2011 warning issued by the FDA. The drug has also been linked to genital defects.

According to WebMD, new drug registry data show that the risk of oral birth defects is up to 16 times higher among women who took topiramate or its generic equivalents during pregnancy.

News: $4 million verdict in first Topamax birth defects lawsuit, jury deliberated less than an hour, see link below

FDA increases Topamax warning level

The FDA increased the pregnancy warning category of Topamax from C to D, meaning the drug has the potential to cause significant harm to a human fetus.

The drug is also prescribed “off-label,” meaning a patient’s doctor believes there are additional benefits to the drug that have not yet been approved by the FDA for that particular use.  Topamax has been used off-label for bipolar disorders, eating disorders, sleep problems, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and alcohol addiction or dependency.

Harman Law Firm attorneys are representing and filing lawsuits on behalf of mothers who took Topamax and gave birth to a child with birth defects.

If you took this drug while you were pregnant and gave birth to a child with a birth defect, please contact the Harman Law Firm online or call (404) 554-0777 today.

The Harman Law Firm represents clients across the country who have been injured by dangerous and defective drugs and medical devices.