Topamax linked to birth defects

Pregnant women who use the epilepsy and migraine drug Topamax may be increasing their risk of birth defects. In a new study, researchers collected data on 178 babies born to women who became pregnant while taking Topamax alone or in combination with other epilepsy drugs. Of 16 babies born with birth defects, three had mothers who were taking Topamax alone and 13 had mothers who were taking Topamax plus other epilepsy drugs. The babies suffered cleft pallets or cleft lips at a rate that was 11 times higher than normal, and male babies showed an incidence of genital defects that was 14 times higher.  Read full story >