SODIUM VALPORATE/EPLIIM CASES

Sodium Valproate Solicitors: Epilim Toxicity In Pregnancy

Sodium valproate solicitors like Barry Healy have become essential for families seeking justice and compensation. Since approximately the late 1990’s there was increasing evidence of the toxic in utero effects on the fetus of the anti epilepsy drug sodium valproate, commonly marketed as epilim. Initially it was believed that the fetal toxic effects of the drug was confined to neural tube defects (spina bifida), for which folic acid would offer protection. In the years that followed emerging evidence established that the adverse fetal effects of the drug were considerably more widespread and could cause so called "sodium valproate syndrome".

This condition could involve a possible constellation of birth defects and deformities in the baby affecting facial features, eyes, ears, lips, hands, fingers and toes.

By 2008 it became clearer that the drug might also be responsible for causing cognitive difficulties, mental retardation, global developmental delay and/or autism in the affected child.

Over the years the warnings given by the drug manufacturers in the product information leaflet have become ever more stark and have counselled great caution in its use for treatment of epilepsy in women of child bearing age. Basically, the recommendation and proper medical advice for the past decade or more has been to either temporarily stop using the drug during pregnancy, reduce the dosage during pregnancy and/or, if possible, switch to an alternative medication.

Barry Healy is currently acting for a number of woman and children who have suffered birth defects as a consequence of being negligently exposed to the effects of the drug. Those affected by sodium valproate's side effects must consult experienced sodium valproate solicitors for legal advice. If you require any advice on this issue please contact him at barry@healylaw.ie

2010 McGillin V Casey & Ors was a Groundbreaking Case in this area:

The High Court has approved a settlement of €500,000 to an eight-year-old girl who was born with disabilities allegedly caused by prescription drugs taken by her mother while she was pregnant.

Rebecca McGillin took the action against consultant psychiatrist Patricia Casey and obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Mary Holohan, through her father Barry.

It was alleged that Rebecca suffered injuries as a result of the negligent treatment of her mother, Lisa Glynn-McGillin by the doctors.

Ms Glynn-McGillin claims she would have come off the two drugs she was on if she had been advised there were risks to the foetus.

She was taking Epilim, an anti-epileptic drug used as a mood stabiliser, and Lithium.

Rebecca was born in 2001 with a deformed hand and other disabilities consistent with sodium valproate syndrome.

Both doctors denied all the claims and the settlement was made without admission of liability.

Ms Glynn-McGillin also received an undisclosed settlement.

Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said he had looked through the medical reports and believed the settlement was a good one.

He said the legal process was never certain and there must be great comfort in closing off the risks involved.

He said Rebecca was very lucky to have two such good parents who had devoted themselves to ensuring she had progressed as well as she had.

Sodium Valproate Solicitors: Epilim Toxicity In Pregnancy

Sodium valproate solicitors like Barry Healy have become essential for families seeking justice and compensation. Since approximately the late 1990’s there was increasing evidence of the toxic in utero effects on the fetus of the anti epilepsy drug sodium valproate, commonly marketed as epilim. Initially it was believed that the fetal toxic effects of the drug was confined to neural tube defects (spina bifida), for which folic acid would offer protection. In the years that followed emerging evidence established that the adverse fetal effects of the drug were considerably more widespread and could cause so called "sodium valproate syndrome".

This condition could involve a possible constellation of birth defects and deformities in the baby affecting facial features, eyes, ears, lips, hands, fingers and toes. Read our article on the Sodium Valproate Scandal.

By 2008 it became clearer that the drug might also be responsible for causing cognitive difficulties, mental retardation, global developmental delay and/or autism in the affected child.

Over the years the warnings given by the drug manufacturers in the product information leaflet have become ever more stark and have counselled great caution in its use for treatment of epilepsy in women of child bearing age. Basically, the recommendation and proper medical advice for the past decade or more has been to either temporarily stop using the drug during pregnancy, reduce the dosage during pregnancy and/or, if possible, switch to an alternative medication.

Barry Healy is currently acting for a number of woman and children who have suffered birth defects as a consequence of being negligently exposed to the effects of the drug. Those affected by sodium valproate's side effects must consult experienced sodium valproate solicitors for legal advice. If you require any advice on this issue please contact him at barry@healylaw.ie

2010 McGillin V Casey & Ors was a Groundbreaking Case in this area:

The High Court has approved a settlement of €500,000 to an eight-year-old girl who was born with disabilities allegedly caused by prescription drugs taken by her mother while she was pregnant.

Rebecca McGillin took the action against consultant psychiatrist Patricia Casey and obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Mary Holohan, through her father Barry.

It was alleged that Rebecca suffered injuries as a result of the negligent treatment of her mother, Lisa Glynn-McGillin by the doctors.

Ms Glynn-McGillin claims she would have come off the two drugs she was on if she had been advised there were risks to the foetus.

She was taking Epilim, an anti-epileptic drug used as a mood stabiliser, and Lithium.

Rebecca was born in 2001 with a deformed hand and other disabilities consistent with sodium valproate syndrome.

Both doctors denied all the claims and the settlement was made without admission of liability.

Ms Glynn-McGillin also received an undisclosed settlement.

Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said he had looked through the medical reports and believed the settlement was a good one.

He said the legal process was never certain and there must be great comfort in closing off the risks involved.

He said Rebecca was very lucky to have two such good parents who had devoted themselves to ensuring she had progressed as well as she had.