Cleft palate questions have been on the rise lately due to the issues surrounding the migraine and anticonvulsant medicine called Topamax. With this, Topamax’s manufacturers (Ortho-McNeil) have been facing an increasing number of legal issues. As an added fuel to the fire, Ortho-Mcneil is also facing problems with their other drug called Levaquin . Clearly, things are not going well for this manufacturer.

As questions regarding Topamax side effect continue to rise with cleft palate as its main topic, a great number of people want to know more about this condition. What are its main causes? Aside from being a Topamax side effects, are there other instances that this condition can happen? How has Topamax really caused the formation of cleft palates on children?

We all know how cleft palate can look physically; a gap in the face which happens to be an abnormal facial feature. More than being an abnormal feature, cleft palate also has a lot of complications and problems up on its sleeve because it cannot only affect one’s psychosocial aspect but also one’s health. And because of this, it is important to know cause of cleft palate in order to avoid it.

According to medical professionals, cleft palate is crucial in the first quarter of pregnancy. This is where pregnant women should be careful about the things they take in because it will most likely affect the development of the baby in the womb. Like for example, in the case of Topamax, they may have to stop taking in the medicine. Of course, a debate would arise especially if Topamax was taken in 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, genetics can also be a cause of cleft palate. Studies have significantly found out that cleft palate can run on families. Meanwhile, genetics and teratogens can be both the cause of cleft palate.

As much as we all want to stay away from the condition of cleft palate, we cannot really be sure if we will experience it or not. 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.

One of the most important questions one may ask in this situation is, are Topamax manufacturers liable in giving those who have been affected of Topamax side effects ?  Of course, it will depend upon one’s situation. There’s only one way to know, call a lawyer immediately.

Post A Comment