Janssen is a subdivision of the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson which manufactures topiramate under the Topamax brand. Doctors use this medication to treat seizures in children over two years old and to treat migraines from age 12 years to adults. However, ensure to know the Topamax prescribing information beforehand.
Since medicines can cause adverse health side effects, you must keep your guard up by exploring further the side effects that may arise. Keep abreast of this article to enrich your insight about Topamax to the fullest!
Topamax in Brief
Topamax is a brand of drug with the main ingredient topiramate which is used to prevent seizures and works on the brain. The topiramate brand from the Janssen manufacturer received approval from the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1998.
Many medical professionals rely on this drug to treat epilepsy in children and adults. As a matter of fact, Topamax is also used for weight loss and treating bipolar patients when experiencing mania or depression. Janssen’s prescription of topiramate for bipolar patients and weight loss is off-label.
Doctors usually prescribe doses of this seizure medication ranging from 25-200 mg. However, you also need to know the Topamax prescribing information in depth so you know the side effects that can occur if you consume it long term.
Topamax Side Effect Warning
Janssen provides warnings and precautions regarding indications of side effects that may occur due to taking Topamax. Let’s find out below!
1. Glaucoma Syndrome and Acute Myopia
Patients who take Topamax can experience secondary angle-closure glaucoma syndrome and acute myopia. Common symptoms include eye pain and decreased visual acuity. These side effects can occur after one month of taking topiramate.
However, this acute myopia and glaucoma syndrome rarely occurs in patients under 40 years of age. If you feel these symptoms after several days or weeks of taking Topamax, make sure to immediately consult a healthcare provider. Hence, the doctor can provide appropriate treatment so that you don’t lose your vision permanently.
2. Visual Field Defects
Knowing Topamax prescribing information is essential since it causes visual field defect side effects. This adverse effect has received clinical reports that show that this visual field defect is reversible.
Thus, if after consuming Topamax you experience vision problems, then stop taking the drug. Previously, you should consult with your healthcare provider so they can consider other alternative medications to treat seizures or migraines.
3. Oligohidrosis and Hyperthermia
Giving Topamax to children can cause side effects of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia. Oligohidrosis is a decrease in sweating even in hot weather. Children who experience oligohidrosis will experience symptoms such as increased body temperature above normal and decreased sweating.
4. Metabolic Acidosis
Medical professionals should also be more careful in reading Topamax prescribing information since it can cause metabolic acidosis. Patients who suffer metabolic acidosis will experience an acid-base imbalance in their body. Mild metabolic acidosis does not harm health.
Otherwise in severe conditions, patients need to get immediate medical treatment because it is life-threatening. Symptoms that you can recognize when a patient experiences acidosis include fatigue, rapid breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
Patients suffering from severe lung disease or kidney problems will be more susceptible to experiencing this side effect. Since metabolic acidosis can occur at any time after taking Topamax, usually healthcare providers will advise patients to have regular blood tests.
5. Suicidal Thoughts
Topamax consumption in certain doses can provoke side effects such as suicidal thoughts. All types of epilepsy medications have side effects that can affect mood and lead to suicidal thoughts. Therefore, both medical professionals and patients need to know the Topamax prescribing information in detail.
If you or your loved ones show mood swings after taking topiramate, seek or provide proper emotional support. Besides, you need to contact your healthcare provider to prevent further harmful action.
6. Harmful to Unborn Babies
If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, be sure to inform health care because Topamax can harm an unborn baby. Taking topiramate while pregnant or undergoing a pregnancy program increases the risk of the baby having birth defects such as cleft palate and cleft lip.
However, there are also healthcare providers that provide this seizure medication to pregnant women by considering that the benefits are greater than the potential risks that may arise.
Can I Sue Due to Adverse Health Side Effects of Topamax?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit if you suffered adverse effects after consuming Topamax. However, be sure you find out detailed information before filing a lawsuit. The reason is that Janssen has provided warning and precautions information on their products.
Nevertheless, if there are adverse health side effects of Topamax that are not included in the warning, then you can file a lawsuit against Janssen.
On the other hand, you can also sue the healthcare provider if they are proven negligent in prescribing Topamax. Prescribing an incorrect dose can be considered malpractice because it endangers the patient’s health.
Should I Get a Lawyer to File a Lawsuit Against Topamax?
If you have received evidence that Topamax prescribing information is incomplete or even that the healthcare provider was negligent in prescribing the seizure medication, immediately contact a lawyer. Filing a lawsuit without a lawyer will be more challenging since the legal regulations are complicated and lengthy.
Grabbing a lawyer will make it easier for you to get help and navigate the law. Correspondingly, your lawsuit will be processed to trial more quickly. Ensure you choose a lawyer who is an expert in handling personal injury cases so that you can try to get maximum compensation.
Why Should You Be Aware of Topamax Prescribing Information?
As can be seen, Topamax prescribing information must be carefully understood by medical professionals and patients so that they are aware of the side effects. Patients should consult their healthcare provider about their health problems to avoid the adverse effects of Topamax consumption.
If you find indications of malpractice or if Janssen was negligent in providing warnings and precautions, file a lawsuit by collaborating with a personal injury attorney. This step is necessary to get adequate compensation for the adverse health you experience.
Moreover, filing a lawsuit can also make healthcare providers more careful in prescribing drugs and manufacturers more careful in including warnings.
