They accuse their neurologists and the French drug manufacturer Sanofi, which produces Depakine, of failing to warn them about the risks to the fetus, according to reports published on Le Matin Dimanche and SonntagsZeitung.
Depakine is still widely used today to treat epilepsy and migraines. Scientists have established that the sodium valproate contained in the drug creates psychomotor, cognitive and mental development disorders in 30 to 40% of cases.
The Swiss expecting mothers were not made aware of these dangers. A warning from agency for therapeutic products, Swissmedic, came to late.
In Switzerland, 39 children have been born with brain damage in connection to Depakine use, according to a report commissioned by the government.
Thierry Buclin, a professor of clinical pharmacology at the University Hospital of Lausanne suspects the actual figure is much higher.
The professors, who was quoted in the media reports, says the government study is incomplete. It does not consider the transgenerational effect of Depakin which has been brought to light by recent scientific studies.
The controversial drug has been authorised in Switzerland since the 1970s. Such side effects were not mentioned in the package leaflet until 2015.
In neighbouring France, as many as 6,500 children have been negatively affected by Depakine. The victims launched a collective action against Sanofi at the end of 2016 to obtain compensation.
The first complaint was made in Switzerland in 2017 by a woman who had been using the drug since adolescence and even had her dosage raised by her neurologist during one of her pregnancies. She gave birth to two children who suffer from severe cognitive disorders and autism.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Novartis and Microsoft to develop drugs using AI
This content was published on
Novartis and Microsoft have signed a five-year partnership aimed at transforming the Basel-based pharma’s business using AI.
Gaps found in opioid prescription oversight in Switzerland
This content was published on
In the wake of the opioid crisis in the US, some medical professionals in Switzerland are warning about over-prescription of oxycodone drugs.
Swiss pharmaceutical firm lets dogs die cruel death
This content was published on
Dogs are being left to die in agony in Germany after lab testing for the Swiss pharma company Inthera Bioscience, says a report.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.