A rise of questions regarding cleft palate is slowly happening. There can be no other reason except its connection with Topamax. In fact, an increasing number of legal issues is being faced by Ortho-Mcneil, the makers of Topamax. As an added fuel to the fire, Ortho-Mcneil is also facing problems with their other drug called Levaquin. Right now, it is easy to say that Ortho-McNeil may need to face more problems.
Now, people are asking more about cleft palate as Topamax side effects continue to be associated with it. What is the main cause of cleft palate? Are there any other instances that this condition can happen aside from being a Topamax side effect? How has Topamax really caused the formation of cleft palates on children?
Physically, we all know how cleft palate looks like; a face having abnormal facial fatures like a gap or opening. Cleft palate does not only affect one’s physical condition but also one’s health and psychosocial condition. And because of this, it is important to know cause of cleft palate in order to avoid it.
Medical professionals have stated that the first quarter of pregnancy is very crucial on the formation of cleft palate. So, pregnant women should be very careful about what they take in at these times. If they are being prescribed with Topamax, they may have to ask their doctor if it’s possible to stop using it. This would be questionable especially if it is being prescribed for epilepsy. For this reason, a decision should be made before having a baby if the woman is taking in Topamax. Here, Topamax is labeled as a teratogen which is a factor that can deform an unborn child. On the other hand, the cause of cleft palate can be also due to genetics. Studies have significantly found out that cleft palate can run on families. Meanwhile, genetics and teratogens can be both the cause of cleft palate.
No matter what we do, we can never be truly say that we can stay away from cleft palate. Sadly, there are factors where in cleft palate becomes more prone to happen. For example, in Topamax’s case, it used to be that Topamax users do not know about birth defects of Topamax. The information was only available after the Food and Drug Administration was alarmed about the increasing number of Topamax birth defects.
Since Topamax side effects can be so dangerous, can those who are affected have a claim on its makers? One’s situation will always matter. Calling a lawyer is a sure way to find out.