Depakote Birth Defect Articles

Abbott Settles Depakote Lawsuits for $1.6 Billion

May 11, 2012. By Heidi Turner.

Washington, DC: Abbott Laboratories has agreed to settle a Depakote lawsuit alleging the company illegally marketed its drug for off-label use. The Depakote settlement will see Abbott pay approximately $1.6 billion, including a $500 million criminal fine, according to The Washington Post (5/7/12).

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Abbott Laboratories Faces Investigation over Marketing of Depakote

April 11, 2012. By Heidi Turner.

San Diego, CA: Determining whether a drug's side effects include a risk of birth defects can be difficult, but researchers have reportedly linked Depakote side effects with an increased risk of Depakote birth defects. For women taking Depakote, the question of whether the drug outweighs its benefits may be an especially important one to ask.

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Depakote Birth Defects: An Uninviting Badge

March 22, 2012. By Gordon Gibb.

Washington, DC: While Depakote birth defects such as cleft palate can be surgically repaired over time, in many instances, there are lingering scars and after-effects that can last a lifetime.

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Depakote Birth Defects That Linger Even After Repair

February 5, 2012. By Gordon Gibb.

Washington, DC: While Depakote is an important drug used to help control and treat seizures, concern remains with regard to its association with Depakote birth defects. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in fact, recently identified divalproex sodium (Depakote) as having a link to severe birth defects and Depakote side effects as evidenced by some studies.

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Studies: Risks of Congenital Defects Increased in Users of Depakote

January 7, 2012. By Heidi Turner.

Santa Fe, NM: For women dealing with epileptic seizures, the risk of Depakote side effects might not seem like much of a concern. But, if they are taking the epilepsy drug for migraines and are told the reported side effects could include a risk of Depakote birth defects, their concern might increase. Among the reported birth defects associated with Depakote are an increased risk of spina bifida, atrial septal defect and, according to at least one study, lowered I.Q.

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Abbott Laboratories Faces Whistleblower Lawsuit Concerning Depakote

December 2, 2011. By Heidi Turner.

Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories, maker of Depakote faces a whistleblower lawsuit alleging the company illegally marketed its epilepsy medication.

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GSK To Pay $3 Billion to Settle Avandia Claims

November 3, 2011. By Lucy Campbell.

Washington, DC: A $3 billion settlement has been reached between GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the controversial diabetes medication Avandia, and federal authorities, ending investigations into whether or not the company marketed drugs for unapproved uses, among other charges.

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Depakote Given from the Womb through Kindergarten: Outcome Learning Disabilities?

October 14, 2011. By Jane Mundy.

Raleigh, NC: Anthony's wife took Depakote (divalproex sodium) during her pregnancy; their son has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. Carol took the drug while she was pregnant and also during three years of breastfeeding. Her son hasn't yet been diagnosed but Carol and his teacher believe he has a learning disorder.

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Despite Positive Study, Depakote Side Effects Still Exist

September 23, 2011. By Charles Benson.

Zurich, Switzerland: A recent study suggests that adding an older seizure drug to standard treatment can help extend the lives of people suffering from the brain cancer glioblastoma, but the fact remains that Depakote side effects still present a serious health issue.

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Depakote Birth Defects—Autism Lawsuits Next?

September 9, 2011. By Jane Mundy.

Birmingham, AL: Over the years many parents have wondered whether Depakote birth defects include autism and ADHD—and whether they can file a Depakote lawsuit. Physiological birth defects such as cleft palate and spina bifida have been directly linked to Depakote. Since the FDA’s warning (June 30), birth defects from the anti-seizure drug could also include developmental delays and learning disabilities.

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