Expectant mothers typically do everything they can to ensure the health of their babies. But some mothers unintentionally put their babies at risk when the mothers use the prescription medicine, Zoloft. If your child developed birth defects after using this medication while pregnant, please contact our Zoloft lawsuit claim center for more information on Zoloft lawsuits 2011.
Zoloft is a drug used to help people with conditions such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. When taken during certain stages of pregnancy, Zoloft can affect an unborn baby’s development, resulting in life-threatening birth defects.
Common Zoloft Birth Defects
The list of birth defects attributed to Zoloft is long and varies in seriousness. Three of the most well known conditions caused by exposure to Zoloft are Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn, craniosynostosis and omphalocele.
With Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn or PPHN, a newborn’s arteries to the lungs do not expand as they should, therefore limited oxygen the lungs and the rest of the body. This deadly condition requires immediate medical intervention, and even with that, it is fatal in 10 – 20% of the cases.
An omphalocele occurs during the unborn baby’s development when the muscles in the abdominal wall do not close properly, and the intestines protrude outside of the body. Surgery is required to repair the abdominal wall.
Craniosynostosis is seen when the fibrous joints, or cranial sutures in the skull, fuse prematurely, not leaving room for the brain to grow and develop. Babies born with craniosynostosis often need surgery to help correct the condition. Without it, they may have increased cranial pressure, developmental delays or seizures.
In addition to PPHN, omphalocele, and craniosynostosis, Zoloft can cause many other birth defects including spina bifida, clubfoot and numerous problems with the heart and vascular system.
Zoloft and Birth Defects
Zoloft is in a class of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and these drugs may help balance the amount of serotonin in the brain. Scientists believe that serotonin is key to moods, so a proper balance can often reduce feelings of depression. But the scientific community acknowledges that it doesn’t know everything about how SSRIs affect the brain chemistry, but does warn that there is definitely a connection between a mother’s use of Zoloft during pregnancy and birth defects.
One study published by the New England Journal of Medicine reported that women who took Zoloft early during the pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a baby with a heart defect.
With all of the problems linked to Zoloft, parents whose babies were born with birth defects are questioning whether the drug manufacturer, Pfizer, did enough to study the possible effects of the drug. Furthermore, many feel Pfizer did not sufficiently warn patients about the potential side effects.
Zoloft Lawsuit Claim Center
We are currently investigating legal claims on behalf of children who have been hurt by the use of Zoloft. If your baby has been affected by the use of Zoloft and was born with a birth defect, you and your child may be eligible for compensation. For a free, no obligation and confidential consultation, please contact us today. There is a limited time to file Zoloft lawsuits 2011 claims. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.