The Food and Drug Administration has recently shown its concern for patients taking Topamax for severe migraine pain. The widely used drug has shown it may cause birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, when the medication is used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Migraines can be extremely painful and research has shown that women are more prone to them than men. It is important that pregnant women monitor the types of medications they intake during pregnancy, especially if they are suffering from migraines, to avoid potential harm to their unborn child.
Severe Migraine Symptoms: Leading up to a Headache
Migraines can be detrimental to many people, especially when they strike suddenly. A recent study on headaches had staggering results; more than half of the people surveyed reported that their functionality was cut in half with regards to school and work productivity. Topamax is a popular and effective drug in treating migraines, but it should not be taken by women during pregnancy. Symptoms leading up to a migraine may last up to ten hours. Sudden mood changes may be a sign that a migraine is on the horizon and medication, such as Topamax, may be necessary. Repeated yawning and tiredness are more signals of a future migraine. When on your feet, a lack of balance, stability, and unsteadiness are likely to occur. Finally, an unexpected craving for sweets may seem natural, but also may foreshadow a migraine to come. The exact cause of migraines is not known, but once warning signs begin to arise, it is important that people are prepared. Topamax is a leading medication used to treat migraines, but this may not be the optimal choice for expectant mothers.
Cleft Lip Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If you were recently pregnant and your newborn suffers from a birth defect, it is likely that you may have some questions. If you believe that your use of Topamax during pregnancy may have led to cleft lip or cleft palate in your child, please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Cleft lip occurs when the developing tissue of the nose and upper jaw does not fuse normally resulting in a split in the lip. Cleft lip is treatable and generally does not cause health problems although in some more severe cases, children have difficulty feeding. The defect usually occurs on only one side of the upper lip, and very rarely in the lower lip. Cleft lip is visible at birth and beyond the noticeable physical appearance, there are usually no other symptoms.
As data from studies shows the possible correlation between Topamax and cleft lip, the FDA states that there will be a stronger label on the product. The pregnancy category of the drug has been changed. The warning will now show Topamax in category D, as opposed to its former spot in category C. There has been positive evidence of fetal risk in human beings, which is the reason for the change of category.
Women frequently use Topamax because they are much more likely to suffer from severe migraine headaches as opposed to their male counterparts. In fact, women are three times more likely than men to encounter migraines. Women who are looking to become pregnant face an additional risk. In their childbearing years, the likelihood of headaches increases yet again, making women of this age extremely vulnerable. Therefore, it is quite understandable that many women would turn to a well respected product, such as Topamax, to alleviate pain. The problem that has now surfaced is that Topamax has been linked to certain birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate. Although Topamax is a proven commodity that deals well with ailments such as epilepsy and migraines, the risk of potential birth defects in pregnant women may lead them to search for alternatives. The FDA and birth defect lawyers both agree, Topamax should not be prescribed for pregnant women in most cases.