Zoloft and Birth Defects
St. Louis Drug Litigation Lawyer
If you took Zoloft or any type of antidepressant while pregnant and gave birth to a child with a serious congenital defect, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation that will allow you to ensure that your son or daughter receives the medical care and continued treatment he or she needs. At our St. Louis personal injury law firm, we represent families across the United States who have suffered because of the serious birth defects that may be caused by Zoloft or other antidepressants. These are complicated and often highly technical cases, but we are skilled litigators with access to medical experts and other professionals who can help us build a strong case against the pharmaceutical company or perhaps the doctor who prescribed the medication.
About Zoloft
Zoloft (generic name: sertraline) is a type of antidepressant that is manufactured by Pfizer. It is one of a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are meant to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain in order to stabilize chemical imbalances that may lead to various mental disorders. It is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adult patients for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is also approved to treat children aged 6 through 17 for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Establishing a Link Between Zoloft and Birth Defects
There are various studies that have linked Zoloft and other SSRIs to serious birth defects. Side effects may range from serious withdrawal symptoms in pregnant women who stop taking the drug to life-threatening birth defects. There may also be an increased risk of premature delivery or stillbirth in women who take antidepressants while pregnant.
In February of 2006, UC San Diego released information pertaining to the results of a study conducted in collaboration with the Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center. This study found an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn children of mothers who used certain antidepressants after the 20th week of pregnancy. This lung condition is fatal in approximately 10-20% of cases soon after birth. Infants who survive may suffer from an increased risk of developmental delays, brain abnormalities and hearing loss. They may require continued treatment and mechanical aids to breathe.
At the Onder Law Firm, we are familiar with birth defect cases related to Zoloft. We understand what evidence is needed to establish a link between the drug and the medical condition. Some of the types of birth defect cases we may be able to address may include:
- Abdominal birth defects
- Heart defects
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
- Cleft lip
- Anal atresia
- Skull defects
- Limb defects
- Clubfoot
- Brain and spinal cord defects
The first step to take is to contact a St. Louis drug injury attorney at our offices. We will be happy to answer your questions and can offer valuable guidance during a free initial consultation. We also have an entire site dedicated to this important topic.
Contact a St. Louis drug litigation lawyerat our firm today to discuss your Zoloft claim or lawsuit.
Click here to visit our Zoloft birth defects website to learn more.