This is the first “substantial” repair in the file of Depakine victims. A young man, handicapped because of this antiepileptic medication taken by her mother during her pregnancy, has just been compensated in the amount of 1.3 million euros according to the revelations of Parisian. The amount is paid by a dedicated fund, set up by the state two years ago to allow families to be compensated without going through the courts. But all the “Dépakine children”, who number in the tens of thousands, will not be so lucky.
A pecuniary relief
The 21-year-old now suffers from a heart defect, autism and addiction. A diagnosis confirmed by two specialized centers. “It is a large sum, which the family decided to accept, considering that it was adapted to the seriousness of the child’s state of health”, comment to Franceinfo Charles Joseph-Oudin, defender of many victims of valproate, active ingredient of Depakine. “Of course, it’s a nice amount of money. A pecuniary relief. But that will not take away his handicap. Autism, we never get a cure, reacts the victim’s mother. No one told me that Depakine was risky. At least when I’m no longer there, her future will be secure. “
Importance of the choice of terms
His son’s troubles were therefore recognized. But she regrets that the fund is using the term “attention deficit disorder” instead of “autism”. A qualification which, according to the patient association, would constitute an attempt to minimize certain payments. “There are serious cases, with significant damage, where the proposals are 50,000 or 70,000 euros, where we should have 10 times more”, believes Me Joseph-Oudin. In 2017, the State validated a diagnostic protocol listing the consequences of Depakine on children: autism, scoliosis, ENT infections, growth anomaly, upturned nose, small kidneys … But the body in charge of studying the files, the National Medical Accident Compensation Office (Oniam), only retain the first three.
1,655 files assessed
Currently, 1,655 cases are being assessed by ONIAM experts. “20 final opinions have been issued”, specifies the office, which adds that no offer “Was not refused by the victims”. “Let us not draw hasty conclusions from a device which has given only 20 opinions”, defends its president Claire Compagnon, still in the pages of Parisian. The Sanofi laboratory marketing the antiepileptic having refused to pay, the money paid to the victims is that of the State. “For each compensation paid in lieu of the laboratory, we will turn against it in court”, assures the leader of Oniam.
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- Epilepsy: Depakine is not the only antiepileptic drug at risk
- Dépakine: the alternatives offered by the HAS for pregnant women
