More people are on anti-depressants than ever before. While these prescription medications can be lifesavers, they may also have effects that are just now being understood by the general public. For example, several studies have shown that there may be a link between one popular SSRI, Paxil, and cardiac birth defects. Read on to learn more and if you believe you have been affected, reach out to The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
The ins and outs of the studies
There are two studies in question. The first is one completed by the U.S. Insurance Registry Database. It looked at the link between Paxil and cardiac birth defects and found that infants who were exposed to Paxil while in their mother’s womb had a 150% increase in cardiac defects compared to those who were not exposed to an SSRI. This same study showed that there was a 180% boost in the total number of all congenital malformations – and this includes heart malformations.
Another study was completed by the Swedish National Registry and the results were even more concerning: There was a 200% increase in the risk of cardiac birth defects for babies whose mother took Paxil while pregnant.
Paxil labeling has been updated but is that enough?
For more than a decade, Paxil has been labeled to reflect these risks but it turns out that it is not just Paxil that is causing these issues. Further studies found equally concerning issues. For example, if a mother takes Zoloft then her baby has a 440% increase in its chances of anal atresia and if the mother takes Celexa then the risk is an increase of 300%.
Anencephaly, which is a condition in which there is a neural tube defect that results in a large absence of part of the brain, scalp, and skull, is 240% more common in children whose mothers took any SSRI. Cleft lip risk seems to increase by 320% if a mother takes Celexa. Club foot is 240% more likely in mothers who take Zoloft, 270% more likely in mothers who take Celexa, and 580% more common in mothers who take Paxil.
These are just a few examples – have you suffered as a result?
If you have had a child who has suffered from a birth defect that you suspect may have been caused by taking an SSRI then it may be true that someone should be held accountable. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we are not afraid to take on the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, we have successfully done so many times. We have the resources, experience, and experts to build the strongest possible case.
The next step is to contact us at 800-333-0000 and ask for a free consultation. We do not charge until we win your case and if we do not win then you do not pay us anything. As a result, there is no risk at all.
