Zofran, also known by its generic name, ondansetron, is a popularly prescribed drug used to combat severe symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. The drug is effective at controlling these symptoms, but in many cases this comes at a huge cost to both the mother and her child. Across the country, several lawsuits have been brought against the makers of Zofran for a host of dangerous side effects and birth injuriesthat women were not initially made aware of.
Zofran has been linked to several adverse effects, including:
- Heart defects, including tachycardia, holes in the heart, or septal defects
- Cleft lip or cleft palate
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Miscarriages
- Jaundice
- Muscoskeletal deformities
- Kidney malformations
- Skeletal abnormalities and disfigurement
Because morning sickness typically occurs in a woman’s first trimester of pregnancy, Zofran is often prescribed during the baby’s most crucial development stage, which increases the child’s risk of being born with a birth defect. Recent studies indicate that Zofran increases the risk of birth defects by 30 percent, and doubles the risk that a child will be born with a cleft palate or a heart defect.
The FDA issued a warning about the drug in 2011 stating that the drug is currently part of an ongoing safety review because of its many links to harmful and potentially fatal birth defects. Although the drug was not originally created for use in pregnant women, doctors are legally able to prescribe the medication as they see fit. More research must be done on the effects this drug can have when used for a purpose other than its intended use.
HAS A DANGEROUS DRUG RESULTED IN INJURY TO YOUR CHILD?
If you took Zofran during your pregnancy and gave birth to a child with any of the above listed side effects, there is no time to waste in securing the legal representation of a San Jose birth injury lawyer at Shea & Shea – A Professional Law Corporation. Birth injuries can leave innocent children vulnerable to a host of complications and may have lasting effects on their lives. The emotional and financial strain families face as a result of these injuries can be very great, so work with an attorney to pursue compensation to ensure that your child always has access to the care they need.
Allow our team to advocate on your child’s behalf for the justice they deserve. Protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation is our number one goal. You can trust in our firm to do everything in our power to bring your case a favorable result.
Request a free consultation with our San Jose birth injury attorneys today by calling (408) 883-3863. We proudly serve clients located in San Jose, Central California, and Northern California.