New York City Topamax Lawyers

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What Is Topamax?

The pharmaceutical compound topiramate is generically known as Topiragen and sold under the brand name Topamax. It is used by millions of people every day to prevent chronic migraine headaches and treat epilepsy. In adults, the side effects are generally not severe, ranging from dizziness and fatigue to nervousness. However, Topamax has also been reported to cause cases of erectile dysfunction and permanent neurological damage, and when used prior to or during pregnancy, severe birth defects may result.

Since 1984, Finz & Finz, P.C., has helped thousands of individuals nationwide to recover compensation for the harm they and their children have suffered as a result of negligent drug manufacturers and other negligent parties. The New York City Topamax attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C., have garnered a stellar record of verdicts and settlements on behalf of these injury victims.

Topamax Greatly Increases Risk of Birth Defects

According to recently released data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pregnant women who use Topamax are 21 times more likely to have children born with oral defects. These defects most often involve cleft lips or cleft palates, which can range in severity from a notched lip to a broad, open groove from mouth to nose.

In addition to oral defects, women who use Topamax are at a higher risk of giving birth to babies with:

  • Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
  • Congenital heart and lung defects
  • Congenital neural defects
  • Craniofacial defects
  • Spina bifida
  • Hypospadias

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals Pleads Guilty

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Topamax, pled guilty in May 2010 of illegally promoting this drug to physicians for unapproved purposes and was ordered to pay more than $81 million to the federal government. Although the FDA approved Topamax for specific uses which were listed on the packaging, this “off-label” promotion encouraged many people — including women of childbearing age — to take Topamax for everything from weight loss to bipolar disorder.

Contact the Topamax Recall Lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C.

Was your child born with a cleft lip, cleft palate or any other condition associated with the use of Topamax? If so, get a Free Case Evaluation from an experienced, results-driven New York City defective drug lawyer by calling Finz & Finz, P.C., toll free at (855) TOP-FIRM today.