Pregnant woman are warned not to use the migraine drug valproate sodium as it could result in lower IQ scores in their child, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The results of a recent study showed that children exposed to valproate products in the womb had a lower IQ at the age of six than children who were exposed to other antiepileptics.
Drugs containing valproate are used to prevent migraine headaches, treat epileptic seizures and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Drugs containing valproate already carry a boxed warning for birth defects.
"Valproate medications should never be used in pregnant women for the prevention of migraine headaches because we have even more data now that shows the risks to the children outweigh any treatment benefits for this use," said Russell Katz, the FDA's Director of the Division of Neurology Products. Read the full story here:
FDA warns on use of certain migraine drugs during pregnancy
Though Depakote and other drugs containing valproate already come with warnings of possible birth defects, this study is further evidence that no woman should take any medicine containing valproate during pregnancy.
If you believe your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, including the prescribing of Depakote or other harmful drugs, please call to investigate your matter fully. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.