Depakote Injury Lawyers

The drug has allegedly been associated with major birth defects, including neural tube defects in the brain and spinal cord, craniofacial defects, and cardiovascular malformations, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you have experienced these side effects, call us today.

Depakote Lawyer

The drug, also called “valproate,” is also associated with liver damage, pancreatitis, and death.

At Gruber Law, our team of trial lawyers and staff can help you to file a claim or lawsuit if you or your loved one was injured by the prescription drug Depakote.

Safety Alert

The FDA issued a safety alert in 2009 warning physicians and patients of the increased risk of serious birth defects. For some parents and children, the warning came too late, and these families are already dealing with the tragic consequences of a child who was exposed to the drug during gestation. Others have suffered internal organ damage.

Uses of Depakote

Depakote was approved for patients living with bipolar disorder and suffering from manic episodes. It has also been prescribed to treat certain forms of epilepsy and migraine headaches.

The drug was originally marketed as Depakote, manufactured by Abbot Pharmaceuticals PR, and approved by the FDA in 2008. The generic version of the medication (divalproex sodium) is also prescribed and sold in the USA, with the same black box warnings as the original product, according to the FDA.

The manufacturer, Abbot Laboratories, has been found guilty of promoting an “off-brand” use of the drug to treat patients in nursing homes. Abbott Laboratories promoted the drug to control aggression in elderly dementia patients, and to treat schizophrenia, even though neither of these uses was approved by the FDA.

The company agreed to pay $1.5 billion to resolve its criminal and civil liability arising from promoting the use of Depakote in ways not approved as safe and effective by the FDA.

If you or a loved one in a nursing home was prescribed Depakote and suffered serious side effects or your loved one died after being prescribed the drug, connect with Gruber Law for help.

Side Effects

The known serious and deadly side effects of Depakote are included in a “black box” warning and on warnings and precautions as ordered by the FDA in 2013 and 2014:

Hepatotoxicity (chemical-driven liver damage)
Birth defects
Pancreatitis
Fatal hemorrhage
Child death from liver damage
Decreased IQ
Suicidal thoughts or behavior

If you or your loved one suffered dangerous or deadly side effects after being prescribed Depakote to treat bipolar disorder, epilepsy, or migraine headaches, it is imperative that you are represented by a product liability lawyer who will take your case in hand and seek justice for you.

Your Legal Options

At Gruber Law in Milwaukee, our team of civil trial lawyers is prepared to assist those who were injured by the off-label use of Depakote or suffered injuries, illnesses, death, or had a child with birth defects.

We should review your case at once if you believe you suffered any serious side effects from taking the drug. Call us now to assist you with your case. We are ready to stand up for you and help you to seek justice and compensation for what happened.

Our team is prepared to hold the manufacturer or other liable parties accountable for the damages in your case. Call now.

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