The EURAP epilepsy and pregnancy registry has found that the measurable risk of giving birth to a child with a birth defect is somewhat dependent on the daily dosage of the medication.
The EURAP study, which analyzed the rate of major congenital malformations (or birth defects) in more than 3,000 women who gave birth after being exposed to some type of antiepileptic medication, found that dosing of the medication affected how dangerous they were.
For the study, 1,402 women exposed to carbamazepine, 1,280 women exposed to lamotrigine, 1,010 women exposed to valproic acid, and 217 women exposed to Phenobarbital had their pregnancies and births tracked. The results found that an increased dosage in any of the medications at the time of conception resulted in a similarly increased risk of giving birth to a child.
Of all the anti-epileptic drugs in the study, the highest rate of birth defects was associated with any dosage of valporic acid and Phenobarbital, as well as doses of carbamazepine that exceeded 400mg daily. The lowest rate of malformations were noted in those who took less than 300mg of lamotrigine and less than 400mg of carbamazepine every day.
“The risk of major congenital malformations is influenced not only by type of antiepileptic drug, but also by dose and other variables, which should be taken into account in the management of epilepsy in women of childbearing potential,” a summary of the study read.
While Topamax and topiramate were not included in the study, the results nonetheless reiterate the dangers of taking any type of anti-epilepsy medications while pregnant. If you or a loved one took topiramate or Topamax while pregnant and have since given birth to a child with a birth defect such as cleft lip or cleft palate, it may be worth pursuing legal action. We at Sokolove Law have lawyers who will help you get the money you deserve for a Topamax birth defect, please contact us today.