Zoloft Birth Defects & Your Rights
Oklahoma City Drug Injury Lawyer
If you took Zoloft while pregnant and your son or daughter was born with a birth defect, it is important to weigh your legal options. You may have the right to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or the doctor that prescribed the antidepressant. An Oklahoma City personal injury attorney at our firm can talk to you about your rights in a claim involving a
dangerous or defective drug such as Zoloft or other antidepressant, including what your case may be worth and who may be held accountable.
Zoloft (generic name sertraline) is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is intended to treat the chemical imbalances in the brain that may lead to depression, panic, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. In spite of its approval by the FDA, Zoloft and other similar SSRIs have been linked to serious and potentially fatal side effects, including birth defects. In 2006, the FDA issued a warning regarding the risks of birth defects when women take Zoloft or other SSRIs while pregnant or breastfeeding. This warning specifically indicated that women who took certain SSRIs after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times as likely to have children born with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), a potentially life-threatening lung condition.
Through its years in production, Zoloft has been the subject of numerous lawsuits against Pfizer and medical professionals who have prescribed this drug or who have failed to properly monitor patients taking Zoloft.
At this time, Zoloft is approved for use by adults and may only be used for the extended treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children.
Birth Defects Caused by Zoloft (Sertraline)
Various studies have been conducted regarding the serious birth defects that may be caused by Zoloft and other SSRIs. Some of these side effects may be caused by the drug itself or from withdrawal when a patient stops taking it.
The following birth defects may be associated with Zoloft and other SSRIs:
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
- Heart defects
- Cleft lip
- Clubfoot
- Facial deformities
- Abdominal defects
- Cranial/skull defects
- Anal atresia
- Limb defects
- Autism
Premature delivery and stillbirth may also be associated with the use of antidepressants during pregnancy, and a pregnant woman may experience serious side effects if she stops taking Zoloft during pregnancy. Withdrawal side effects may include: severe nausea and vomiting, seizures, nightmares, insomnia, fever and motor instability.
Personal Injury Attorney for Zoloft Claims in Oklahoma City
If you or a loved one was taking Zoloft during pregnancy and the child was born with a birth defect, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the manufacturer. In some cases, your doctor may be held accountable for improperly prescribing the antidepressant or failing to properly monitor the patient. The best way to find out whether you have grounds for a suit is to discuss the matter with a legal professional. Our Oklahoma City law firm offers a free consultation to help you get started
On Zoloft cases, we will likely be associating with other law firms and cases may be referred to those other firms.
Contact an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney at our firm to talk about birth defects and your potential Zoloft lawsuit.