As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), naproxen has several applications. Often found in over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, this active ingredient is commonly used to assist in the treatment of pain, fever, swelling and stiffness. Though readily available on store shelves, the use of naproxen is not without concern. Recent studies suggest that naproxen treatment may coincide with catastrophic complications. Subsequently, pregnant women who use naproxen, or naproxen-containing OTC’s, may significantly increase their risk of giving birth to a child with a distinct set of birth defects.
If you or a loved one has been injured by naproxen, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Naproxen Birth Defects Lawsuit Overview
Naproxen was introduced to the U.S. market as a new molecular entity on March 11, 1976. As a product of Roche, a world renown pharmaceutical company, naproxen has successfully demonstrated the ability to treat pain and inflammation caused by various conditions. Following approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), naproxen became the active ingredient in the following popular OTC pain-killers:
- Aleve
- Anaprox
- EC-Naprosyn
- Naprelan
- Naprosyn
As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen utilizes a distinct mechanism of action to assist in the treatment of pain and swelling. Naproxen is able to prohibit the actions of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme responsible for the production of prostagladins and thromboxane. Subsequently, prostagladins and thromboxane act as catalysts for the process of inflamation. Therefore, by preventing the actions of cyclooxygenase, naproxen assists in the treatment of pain and swelling.
Unfortunately, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between NSAIDs and catastrophic complications. Researchers believe that the pharmacodynamics of naproxen may be responsible for the development of a variety of complications with varying degrees of severity. More specifically, pregnant woman who receive naproxen treatment may significantly increase their risk of giving birth to a child with serious anatomical defects that may affect their quality of life in a profound way. Due to the risks associated with naproxen and pregnancy, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential naproxen birth defects lawsuit.
Naproxen Birth Defects
The following is a comprehensive list of naproxen birth defects that have been associated with the popular NSAID:
- Oral clefts: Orofacial clefts are birth defects in which there is an opening in the lip and/or palate (roof of the mouth) that is caused by incomplete development during early fetal formation. According to a recent study, the risk of cleft lip and cleft palate rose by 30-80% for women taking NSAIDs like naproxen during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Neural tube defects: Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, are the result of a failure of the neural tube to close during child development. The risk of spina bifida increased 60% for women who took NSAIDs or naproxen early in pregnancy.
- Anophthalmia: This condition is characterized by the absence of one or both eyes at birth. Such a complication has become associated with naproxen birth defects.
- Microphthalmia: This condition refers to a developmental disorder of the eye. The presence of microphthalmia typically results in a significantly smaller eye with severe vision deficiencies.
- Pulmonary valve stenosis: Pulmonary valve stenosis is characterized by a significant narrowing of the aorta. As a result, the heart struggles to pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
- Amniotic band syndrome: A birth defect in which the amniotic sac fissures and entangle parts of the fetus. The severity of the birth defect depends on what parts of the baby are entangled and how tightly the bands are wrapped. Babies born to mothers taking NSAIDs such as naproxen were three times more likely to develop amniotic band syndrome.
Transverse limb deficiencies: Transverse limb deficiencies, more commonly known as clubbing of the hands and feet, have been associated with naproxen birth defects. As their names suggest, these conditions are synonymous with a distinct disfiguration of the appendages.
NSAID & Naproxen Birth Defects Study
According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the use of NSAIDs may coincide with a moderate increase of the rate in which several birth defects are developed. The study was established to determine if the use of NSAIDs during early pregnancy are associated with a distinct range of structural and anatomical birth defects.
As a multi-site population-based, case control study of risk factors for birth defects, officials examined women from all over the United Sates. During the course of the interview process, women were frequently asked about the specific NSAID drugs they took during their first trimester of pregnancy.
Among the women who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 22.6% reported the use of NSAIDs in their first trimester of pregnancy, most commonly ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Out of the 29 defect groups examined, several exhibited a small to moderate increase after ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen exposure.
Several abnormalities exhibited a larger increase in their occurrence rate than others. Distinct birth defects were slightly increased in babies whose mothers reported taking ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen during their first trimester of pregnancy. The risk of cleft palate rose by as much as 80% in some cases, while spina bifida jumped by 60%.
Do I Have a Naproxen Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in naproxen lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by naproxen, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.