Zoloft is a prescription medication given to people who suffer from depression. It has been available since 1991, but received the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 with a black box warning. This warning regarded birth defects which could potentially prove to be fatal.
Since then, numerous lawsuits have been filed alleging Zoloft causes birth defects. Most of the lawsuits allege that the manufacturer, Pfizer, failed to provide information about the risk associated with taking Zoloft and failed to include adequate warnings in the packaging.
Birth Defects Caused by Zoloft
Several birth defects have been linked to Zoloft, including the following:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – During pregnancy, a fetus has a hole in the wall of the upper chambers of the heart that allows blood to avoid the lungs. At birth, this hole is closed, so the baby can breathe correctly. ASD prevents full closure of the hole, which allows blood to seep out. If the condition is not detected and treated, it can cause damage to the lungs and heart.
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – With this condition, part of the left side of the heart doesn’t develop normally, which causes the rest of the heart to work harder. The child will require at least three surgeries and the child will need a heart transplant as an adult. If undetected, the baby will die within a few days.
- Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS) – With HRHS, the right side of the heart is under-developed. Open heart surgery is necessary to increase blood flow. The child may develop other health issues as a result, including a heart murmur and respiratory problems.
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) – Blood circulation doesn’t move from fetal circulation to what is normal after birth. An increase in pressure in the lungs is the result along with low levels of oxygen.
- Tetralogy of Fallot – This condition is difficult to detect. It includes four different heart defects that alter the blood flow. The blood is low in oxygen, which can result in problems with development and a reduced lifespan.
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) –The two main arteries of the heart are reversed, which requires open heart surgery to correct.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Zoloft Has Resulted In A
Birth Defect?
These injuries caused by Zoloft can be life-threatening or result in major health and developmental issues for a child. Treatment for any of these conditions is serious and costly. In many cases, ongoing medical care is required, which increases the medical expenses that must be borne by the family. Even with adequate health insurance, the family’s portion can be astronomical, not to mention the emotional and mental toll it takes on everyone.
If you took Zoloft and you have a child born with birth defects, you need to seek the help of an experienced defective drug attorney. The Louisiana defective drug attorneys of The Olinde Firm have extensive experience representing victims of dangerous drugs.
Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free case evaluation. Schedule your free legal consultation today.