Millions of Americans rely on prescription drugs every day to alleviate the symptoms of a variety of diseases and conditions. One condition that often requires using prescription medication is epilepsy, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate affects 2.3 million adults and 467,711 children in the United States. One medication used to treat the seizure disorder since its approval in 1983 is the prescription drug Depakote. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved the drug to treat mood disorders and prevent migraines in 1995 and 1996, respectively.
The drug may be linked to a variety of harmful side effects, including birth defects, liver failure and pancreatitis. If you’ve been prescribed Depakote and suffered ill effects as a result, seek consultation with Depakote injury lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates.
What is Depakote?
Depakote increases GABA (gamma amminobutryic acid) in the brain. Increasing GABA levels may help avoid brain disturbances that can cause seizures. Additionally, the drug can treat bipolar disorder, decreasing the number of manic episodes. In some cases, the drug will be used to reduce the incidence of migraine headaches.
While Depakote can be a very effective means of treating epileptic seizures and bipolar disorder, it is not without potential health complications. Those who suffer serious side effects or complications may explore possible legal options with Depakote attorneys.
Dangerous Side Effects of Depakote
Depakote can cause a variety of serious side effects. Some side effects include the following.
- liver damage severe enough to cause death, especially in children younger than two.
- suicidal thoughts or actions.
- inflammation of the pancreas (which may be fatal).
- and, harm to a fetus in the form of birth defects.
Birth defects most commonly reported by women who took Depakote include damage to fetuses’ brains and spinal cords. These defects affect approximately one to two out of every 100 babies born from mothers who take the drug while pregnant. Other birth defects that can occur as a result of a mother’s Depakote use include malformed limbs and skull, cleft palate, and learning and other mental disabilities.
Who’s liable in a Depakote lawsuit?
If you or your child suffered serious health effects as a result of taking Depakote, you may be able to recover compensation for damages. Damages might include medical bills, lost wages or earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more, depending on the circumstances.
When it comes to getting the compensation that you deserve for serious injuries, parties that may be liable include Abbot Laboratories, Depakote distributors, the physician who prescribed you the drug, the pharmacist who filled your prescription and anyone else who was directly involved in your use of Depakote.
Liability depends on the specifics of your case. For example, a doctor who prescribes a dangerous dose may be liable if it results in serious side effects. Similarly, a pharmacist who provides you the incorrect dosage may be liable if it causes complications. Speak with Depakote injury lawyers about liability for damages.
Speak with the Depakote Injury Lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates Today
When you are prescribed a medication to treat a serious medical disorder, you expect it to help, not hurt you. If taking Depakote hurt you, speak with an attorney who will work hard to fight for your rights as a victim. At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., our attorneys are ready to take on your case.
For questions about how we can help, what damages you may pursue and how to file your claim for damages, call us today at 800-550-0000 to get started.
