Zoloft Birth Defects
FDA Warning: Increased risk of serious Zoloft birth defects in newborns.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified doctors that use of the antidepressant Zoloft during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious Zoloft birth defects in newborns. This was based on the results of multiple studies which confirmed that Zoloft birth defects among newborns can include serious and potentially deadly heart defects.
Tell me about Zoloft Birth Defects ?
Zoloft (sertraline) is manufactured by American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc. The drug is in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). SSRIs work by targeting the serotonin chemical in the brain and works as neurotransmitters. By altering the balance of the serotonin, the patients symptoms improve and they can better control their mental status.
Available by prescription, Zoloft is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety disorders. Pfizer marketed the drug beginning in 1991 and it is one of the leading antidepressants. More than 29 million prescriptions for Zoloft were written in 2007.
Types of Zoloft Birth Defects
There are many Zoloft birth defects associated with a mother’s use during pregnancy. Some specific Zoloft birth defects are septal heart defects, omphalocele, anal atresia and limb reduction defects.
- Septal heart defects are holes in the interior wall of the heart called the septum.
- An omphalocele is a Zoloft birth defect in which the infant’s intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button.
- Anal atresia (or imperforate anus) is when the child’s anus is missing or blocked.
- Limb reduction defects are defects in which part of or the entire arm or leg of a fetus fails to form completely during pregnancy. The limb is either small or missing.
Zoloft birth defects are either structural such as with problems with a body part missing or being misshapen or functional. Functional or developmental Zoloft birth defects examples are spina bifida, cleft palate, heart defects and club feet.
A 2006 study published by the New England Journal of Medicineshowed that women who used Zoloft after the 20 week of pregnancy are six times more likely to give birth to an infant with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN is a serious and potentially fatal circulatory situation.
In another study published in 2007 by the same source,
New England Journal of Medicine, found that children born of women who used Zoloft during pregnancy were two times as likely to suffer heart related Zoloft birth defects. The most common heart defects in the study were ventricular outflow defects and septal defects.
Zoloft birth defects are caused by teratogens which is anything that can disturb the development of a fetus. Teratogens may cause a Zoloft birth defect in the infant or cause the mother to miscarry. The classes of teratogens include radiation, maternal infections, chemicals, and drugs such as Zoloft.
Zoloft Birth Defects Lawsuits
Because of these very serious Zoloft birth defects, many lawsuits are being filed against Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Zoloft. Drug manufacturers such as Pfizer, Inc. have a responsibility to warn doctors and their patients of any known risks in taking their medications. This is especially true when the medication may be marketed towards those individuals that may become pregnant and may continue with the course of treatment during their pregnancy. It is the responsibility of the drug manufacturer to sound an alert to prevent birth defects such as those Zoloft birth defects that have harmed so many families.
When the drug manufacturers fail to warn consumers, they must be held accountable. Filing a Zoloft birth defect lawsuit sends a message loud and clear that you will not stand by and let a giant pharmaceutical company ignore the safety of our families and put their profit margin over the health of our children.
It is important that you select a law firm that has experience dealing with the large drug companies. The experienced Zoloft birth defects attorneys at D. Miller& Associates, PLLC have helped many clients win their lawsuits against those that have wronged them and their families. Let the experts at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC work to get you compensation for medical bills, future healthcare costs and other expenses involved due to Zoloft birth defects.