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Zoloft Birth Defects
Zoloft is a popular antidepressant manufactured by Pfizer, one of the world's largest drug manufacturers. Since Pfizer was introduced in 1991, hundreds of thousands of adults have taken Zoloft. What most users did not know is that the prescription drug may come with dangerous birth defects.
The Problem - Mothers Were Not Warned
There are hundreds of lawsuits currently in court that allege that Pfizer did not adequately warn consumers, particularly women that Zoloft can cause potential birth defects.
It is a drug manufacturer's responsibility to adequately warn consumers of potential health risks, or to remedy the situation. These lawsuits allege that Pfizer concealed, suppressed, and failed to disclose the danger of Zoloft, which lead to various birth defects and many infant deaths.
FDA Warnings Ignored
As early as 2006, the FDA issued a public health advisory that stated a link had been found between antidepressants and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). This condition affects a newborn's heart and lungs, and can be fatal.
Infants porn with PPHN often require a ventilator to breathe, and if PPHN is severe enough, organ damage, including brain damage - can result.
Despite this warning, mothers were still given Zoloft, and they were not warned that there were potential adverse risks - including birth defects by taking Zoloft. This shows a blatant disregard for consumer safety because drug companies must ensure consumers are warned about the risks of their drugs.
Zoloft Used Off-Label
Zoloft Birth Defects
Zoloft use in pregnant mothers has been linked to almost a dozen birth defects, many of which can, and are often fatal even with medical attention. Unsuspecting mothers are devastated and heartbroken with the loss of a child, or when a child is born with birth defects that could've been prevented had Pfizer warned the mother.
The devastating birth defects associated with Zoloft use in pregnant mothers include:
- Atrial septal defects (ASD)
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
- Craniosynostosis (skull defects)
- Spina bifida
- Club feet
- Congenital heart defects
- Omphalocele (abdominal defects)
- Ventricular septal defects (VDS)
- Tetralogy of fallot (TOF)
- Coarctation of the aorta
As briefly stated before, these birth defects can - and are often fatal even with medical treatment. However, even when not fatal, these birth defects often require several surgeries over the course of months or years. Even with surgery, infants may never grow up to live a normal, healthy life, and in many cases, the infant will need specialized medical care for the rest of his or her life.
In addition, parents often face mounting medical and healthcare bills for caring for their child. They suffer severe heartache and mental anguish, and attending to their child's needs can result in lost wages - making it harder for parents to meet their financial burdens.
Zoloft Lawsuits
For these reasons, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer seeking compensation to help parents care for their child, for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Some lawsuits also are seeking punitive damages as well claiming that Pfizer knew about the risks, yet failed to warn the public.
There are already over 250 lawsuits currently in Federal court, with more expected. These lawsuits claim Pfizer is selling a dangerous drug, that Pfizer failed to warn the public and misrepresented Zoloft as safe for use in pregnant women, and that Pfizer marketed the drug to pregnant women even when studies suggested it increased the risk for birth defects.
Do You Qualify for a Zoloft Lawsuit?
If you're the parent of a child that was born with side effects as a result of the drug Zoloft, then you may be eligible to seek compensation for your child's medical care, your pain and suffering, and more.
It is important that you speak to a legal representative to discuss the details of your case now while lawsuits are still being organized. Many Zoloft lawyers can answer all of your questions and help you understand your rights. He or she can also help you determine whether or not you qualify for a Zoloft lawsuit, and give you your best options going forward so you can get the rightful compensation you deserve for your child's injuries.
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