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Kentucky Consumer Alert: Seizure Medication Increases Risk of Birth Defects

March 14, 2011 - According to a press release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kentucky consumers should take note of a seizure medication that has been found to increase the risk of oral birth defects.

The medication Topamax (topiramate), along with the generic versions, is used to treat certain types of seizures in epilepsy patients. Additionally, it is sometimes prescribed to help prevent migraines. However the FDA has found that this medication can lead to birth defects such as cleft lip and palate when taken during pregnancy.

The FDA indicates that doctors need to warn all women who are of childbearing age of the risks in taking Topamax and similar medications. If a woman were to become pregnant while on this medication it could be dangerous to the fetus.

Healthcare professionals are urged to weigh the risks against the benefits to determine if a woman of childbearing age should seek an alternative type of medication.

When a doctor fails to warn a patient of the potential risk involved in taking a medication, this is a form of medical negligence. When a dangerous prescription medication is given to an individual without providing information on the risks involved and it leads to injuries, the victim they may be entitled to seek compensation through a Kentucky medical malpractice claim.

If you have been injured because of a dangerous prescription medication and you believe it was the result of medical negligence, you should immediately consult with a Louisville medical malpractice attorney who can determine what legal options you may have available.

Contacting a Louisville Medical Malpractice Attorney

A Louisville medical malpractice attorney at Gray and White Law can help you handle every aspect of your Louisville medical malpractice claim. If you've been injured in Kentucky, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case - 1-800-634-8767 or 502-210-8942.

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