Touted as one of the most popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) ever, Aleve (generic: naproxen) was developed with the intention of treating several common circumstances. As its name suggests, Aleve is commonly used to reduce the presence of pain, fever, swelling and stiffness. However, the use of Aleve may coincide with unexpected side effects. Subsequently, women who receive Aleve treatment during pregnancy 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 given birth to a child with birth defects after taking Aleve 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.
Aleve Birth Defects Lawsuit Overview
Developed and distributed by Bayer, Aleve was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 11, 1994. Aleve has since become one of the most popular anti-inflammatory pain killers in North America and around the globe. Through a unique mechanism of action, Aleve is able to reduce pain or inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, and menstrual cramps.
Naproxen, the active ingredient of Aleve, resides in a family of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As an NSAID, Aleve uses a unique mechanism of action to reduce the presence of pain and swelling. Aleve 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, Aleve assists in the treatment of pain and swelling.
Unfortunately, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between Aleve and catastrophic complications. Researchers believe that the pharmacodynamics of Aleve may be responsible for the development of a variety of complications with varying degrees of severity. More specifically, women who use Aleve during pregnancy may significantly increase their risk of giving birth to a child with severe, life-threatening defects. 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 Aleve birth defects lawsuit.
Aleve Birth Defects
The following is a comprehensive list of Aleve birth defects:
- Oral clefts: Oral clefts, otherwise known as cleft lip and cleft palate, are the result of several sutures that failed to close during the child’s development. They are characterized by a distinct fissure in the palate that creates clefting of the lip and roof of the mouth.
- Neural tube defects: Neural tube defects are the result of a failure of the neural tube to close during child development. Subsequently, neural tube defects are severe malformations of the central nervous system. The risk of such defects increased 60% for women who took NSAIDs like Aleve 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 Aleve 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 like Aleve 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 & Aleve 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 Aleve 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 Aleve lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has bore a child with congenital birth defects after taking Aleve 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.