As one of the most popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to hit the U.S. market, Advil (generic: ibuprofen) has assisted in the treatment of fever, pain and inflammation that has been caused by numerous adverse conditions. Though Advil has spent nearly 30 years treating conditions such as these, recent evidence suggests that it may coincide with catastrophic complications. The introduction of Advil during pregnancy may interfere with a developing fetus. Subsequently, pregnant women who receive advil treatment may significantly increase the risk that their child develops a distinct set of congenital birth defects.
If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with congenital abnormalities after taking Advil during pregnancy, 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.
Advil Birth Defects Lawsuit Overview
Following the expiration of ibuprofen’s original patent, several pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing over-the-counter pain relievers with the same active ingredient. It wasn’t until 1984 that Pfizer sold ibuprofen under the name Advil. Following the introduction of Advil to the U.S. market, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of the NSAID to assist in the treatment of pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Similar applications have witnessed Advil reduce pain associated with menstrual cramps.
Ibuprofen, the active ingredient found in Advil, resides in a family of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As an NSAID, Advil uses a unique mechanism of action to reduce the presence of pain and swelling. Advil 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 inflammation. Therefore, by preventing the actions of cyclooxygenase, Advil assists in the treatment of pain and swelling.
Unfortunately, the mechanism of action responsible for the reduction of pain and inflammation may coincide with adverse side effects. Recent studies suggest that the introduction of Advil, or similar NSAIDs, to a developing fetus may result in congenital abnormalities. Subsequently, pregnant women who use Advil may significantly increase the risk of their child developing severe, life-threatening birth defects. Due to the severity of these corresponding abnormalities, families may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Advil birth defects lawsuit
Advil Birth Defects
The following is a comprehensive list of the birth defects that have been associated with Advil:
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Spina bifida (neural tube defect)
- Anophthalmia
- Microphthalmia
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Amniotic band syndrome
- Transverse limb deficiencies (clubfoot)
NSAID & Advil 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 an Advil Birth Defects 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 Advil birth defects lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has given birth to a child with congenital abnormalities after taking Advil during pregnancy, 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.