Migraine Medicine Topamax Raises Risk of Birth Defects

U.S. health officials have found that Topamax, a migraine and seizure medication, has been found to increase birth defects in babies whose mothers took the medicine. The drug, sold generically as topiramate and under the name Topamax, increases the risk for cleft lip deformities.

Infants exposed to the medicine had three times higher oral deformity rates than other medications. The babies are unable to get proper nutrition and therefore have higher deformity risks.

The FDA reported that this new data calls for doctors to warn female patients of the risks associated with taking this medicine. Doctors are also urged to consider alternative medications before prescribing topiramate.

Johnson & Johnson and other companies that market the drug will have to put a stronger warning label on the medications.