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The stories of “Effexor babies” and their mothers who took to the antidepressant only to endure life-long emotional heartbreak sadden any Arkansas Effexor birth defect attorney evaluating or fighting their lawsuits. Carried away by “safe and secure” claims and money-driven advertisements, these unsuspecting mothers were hardly aware of what could befall on their family following the ingestion of the antidepressant. Over 1,500 adverse events have been reported to the FDA citing congenital heart defects, fatal lung disorders, cranial deformities, death, and other serious Effexor birth defects.
Most Reported Effexor Birth Defect Side Effects
An Effexor birth defect lawyer in Arkansas comes across claims by plaintiffs citing the following major pregnancy side effects caused by the antidepressant:
- Fatal lung disorder known as persistent pulmonary hypertension
- Life-threatening heart defects
- Cranial defects and underdeveloped brain
- Premature birth
- Congenital neural-tube, abdominal, skull, septum wall, cardiac, and anus deformities
- Physical deformities
- Cleft lip and palate
- Delay in growth and mental development
- Intellectual disabilities, including Autism
Warning on Effexor Birth Defect Side Effects
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued an Effexor birth defect advisory for expectant mothers asking doctors to avoid prescribing the drug. Effexor antidepressant is placed by the FDA among the category C medications with a caution that it may cause potential birth injuries in children when ingested by pregnant women. The Health Canada has issued a public alert, informing consumers of possible birth defect risks related to use during pregnancy.
There are also many research reports that assist a Arkansas Effexor birth defect attorney to reinforce the claim of parents of Effexor babies in the court. A 2009 report in the British Medical Journal warned of two-time increased risk of heart defects in newborns because of prenatal Effexor side effects. Another report published earlier in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted a six-time higher risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns because of Effexor crossing through placenta.
Effexor Baby Experiences
A couple allegedly lost their daughter to an Effexor birth defect side effects within two months of her birth. The mother had a history of family depression, and she was prescribed Effexor to treat her condition. Even she was on the medication when got pregnant as her consulting doctor was not sure if there was any scientific evidence linking Effexor side effects on the fetus. When the mother experienced premature labor, the hospital staff prepared themselves for “an Effexor baby” after discovering that she was on the medication. The couple learned about the hazard of Effexor birth injuries from the staff.
The newborn daughter had many birth defects, including circulatory problems, and she spent most of her two-month life in hospitals. On her last day, she suddenly stopped breathing. Though she was revived by doctors, oxygen deprivation had already damaged her brain to a great extent and she succumbed to the condition.
Another couple has sought an undisclosed amount in damages from Pfizer claiming that its antidepressant medication Pfizer was responsible for causing birth defects in their daughter. The Effexor birth injury lawsuit filed by them in a federal court describes the antidepressant as imperfect and unsafe for pregnant women. According to the lawyer representing the couple, the child was born with serious congenital defects because of the use of Effexor by the mother while she was pregnant. She has undergone several surgeries to treat her severe heart defect and is expected to have more surgeries in the future to keep her heart free from life-threatening problems.
Effexor Lawsuits
Hundreds of plaintiffs have already filed Effexor birth defect lawsuits, alleging that nondisclosure of pregnancy side effects by the manufacturer was responsible for “suffering, disability, disfigurement, impairment of working ability, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, and need for constant medical care” of their children. While the MDL set up in a Pennsylvania district court is expanding with the filing of new litigations, Effexor birth defect lawyers in Arkansas are busy evaluating potential claims of state residents.
“Failure to warn, design defect, negligence, negligent design, fraud, breach of warranty, gross negligence, and violation of Consumer Sales Practices Acts” form the basis of product liability claims against the drug manufacturer.
If you or your children have suffered from antidepressant birth defects, please call on 1-800-632-1404 to consult an Effexor birth defect attorney in Arkansas today.
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