Use of Zofran to Treat Morning Sickness May Cause Birth Defects
Compensation May Be Available for Infant Birth Injuries Caused by a Dangerous Drug
Zofran (ondansetron) is an anti-nausea drug currently approved by the FDA to treat nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy and after surgery. But it has also been widely prescribed for an unapproved, “off-label” use to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. This product may not be safe for such use and may cause serious birth defects. If you took Zofran for nausea during pregnancy and your child has suffered because of it, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses and physical and emotional suffering. Call 310-553-6630, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Did your child suffer a birth defect due to Zofran?
Recent studies have raised concerns about the risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers who took Zofran for severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) during pregnancy. For instance, one Danish study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found no significant link between Zofran and birth defects, yet another study based on same database but covering a longer period of time found a two-fold increase in babies born with congenital heart defects when the mothers were prescribed Zofran (ondansetron) in the first trimester.
The use of Zofran has been implicated in a wide range of defects and birth injuries, including:
- Heart Murmur
- Atrial Septal Defect (a hole in the heart)
- Cleft Lip
- Cleft Palate
- Low Birth Weight
- Malformed Kidneys
- Infant Death
In addition, women who are taking an SSRI drug such as Paxil, Prozac or Lexapro and also take Zofran for morning sickness may be at risk for developing serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. If you are taking an SSRI for anxiety or depression and also take Zofran, seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Hyperthermia
When the Drug Makers Don’t Have Your Best Interests at Heart, You Need Attorneys Who Do
GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Zofran, has already agreed to pay $3 Billion in a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department to avoid prosecution for claims that it illegally marketed Zofran for an off-label, unapproved use, giving false information about the drug’s effectiveness while hiding facts about the risks and dangers. When drug companies put their profits ahead of the people they should be helping, the attorneys at Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy step in to hold them accountable for the harm they have caused. If you took Zofran during your pregnancy and experienced heart problems or other disorders, or if your baby was born with heart defects or other birth injuries, contact our office for a no-cost consultation regarding how we may be able to help you obtain compensation for any harm caused to you by a dangerous or defective drug.
