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As attorneys that are representing children born with birth defects after taking Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and Effexor, we wanted to advise that an Ohio woman has filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline with the client alleging Paxil caused birth defects.
Zoloft Birth Defect: Antidepressant Linked to Fatal Deformities in Newborns
Pregnant women treated with Zoloft antidepressant are likely to endanger the life of their yet-to-be-born child. Independent researchers have warned of potential risk of Zoloft birth defects in the form neonatal deformities in newborns following exposure to Sertraline, the main element in the SSRI antidepressant. The risk is as high as five times compared to those born to mothers not treated with Zoloft, according to a 2012 study reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The drug is found to cause life-threatening heart and lung disorders and other non-fatal conditions, such as autism, vertebra deformities, and disfigurements in babies that remain a life-long scare for many.
Zoloft Birth Defect: Life-Threatening Medical Conditions and Deformities
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension: The occurrence of this fatal lung disorder was first linked to Zoloft pregnancy side effects in a 2006 report published in the British Medical Journal and subsequently corroborated in a similar research study published in 2012. The Human Reproduction journal also made a similar claim in October 2012, highlighting a six-fold rise in the risk. PPHN inhibits blood circulation in the body through the lungs and thus deprives the baby of oxygen. It results in severe respiratory distress requiring intensive medical care and may lead to death.
- Heart Disorder: In 2009, the British Medical Journal first claimed of heightened risk of fatal heart problems in newborns due to Zoloft use during pregnancy. The American College of Cardiology and the Human Reproduction journal released two separate reports in 2011 and 2012 strengthening the claim. Researchers listed potential risk of hypoplastic heart syndrome, underdeveloped and defective heart valves, septal and ventricle deformities in babies as side effects of the antidepressant. All these Zoloft birth defects may result in fatal conditions.
- Cranial Deformities: The association between Zoloft pregnancy side effects and cranial birth defects came into light first in June 2007. Anencephaly, abnormal skull development, brain pain, cerebellum defects, spinal flow disorder, and skull malformations are reported by many as possible side effects of Zoloft use during pregnancy. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology journal in May 2014 warned of potential Chiari type 1 brain malformations in babies because of Zoloft exposure during pregnancy.
- Autism and Developmental Delays: Zoloft pregnancy side effects lead to defective development of cerebellum, which control cognitive functions of the brain. Children exposed to the drug side effects during pregnancy are, thus, likely to be born with autism or developmental delays.
- Neurological Disorders: Zoloft birth defects, including skull malformation and underdeveloped brain, cause a range of neurological disorders, such as seizures, sleep problem, withdrawal symptoms, body balancing problems, and neo-behavioral syndrome.
- Disfigurements: Zoloft birth defects also manifestinpremature skull ossification, neural tube deformities, vertebra malformations, cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, and defective organs.
Zoloft Birth Defect Lawsuit
The first federal Zoloft birth defect lawsuit is expected to go to trial in January 2015. Pennsylvania District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe, who heads the MDL consolidation of all Zoloft lawsuits filed in the federal judicial system, announced an order to this effect on May 1, 2014 on an appeal filed by manufacturer Pfizer to allow it more time. Over 600 Zoloft lawsuits pending in her court have sought product liability accusing Pfizer of not informing potential drug side effects when taken during pregnancy. While the wait for the bellwether trial is extended by three more months, new Zoloft lawsuits continue to be filed across the United States.
Contact a Zoloft Birth Defect Lawyer Today.
If your child was born with a birth defect and you or a loved one took Zoloft during the first trimester or pregnancy, please contact us immediately.
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