Having established itself as a premier over-the-counter (OTC) ingredient in pain relievers, nabumetone is a proven non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with several applications. Subsequently, nabumetone is a generic drug administered in the treatment of pain swelling, and inflammation. However, the introduction of this medication during pregnancy may be responsible for severe complications. Women receiving nabumetone treatment while pregnant may significantly increase their risk of having a child with a distinct set of life-threatening birth defects.
If you or a loved one has conceived a child with birth defects after taking nabumetone 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.
Nabumetone Birth Defects Lawsuit Overview
Nabumetone was introduced to the U.S. market as an entirely new molecular entity on December 24, 1991. After gaining the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nabumetone became the active ingredient in several name brand OTC NSAIDs. Through a unique mechanism of action, nabumetone reduces pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, nabumetone uses a distinct mechanism of action to assist in the treatment of pain and swelling. Nabumetone 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, nabumetone assists in the treatment of pain and swelling.
While nabumetone has proven affective in the treatment of pain, swelling, and inflammation, it is not without concern. Recent studies suggest that the introduction of nabumetone in pregnant women may interfere with fetal development. Subsequently, pregnant women who receive nabumetone treatment may significantly increase their risk of having a child with severe, life-threatening birth defects. Due to the severity of these congenital abnormalities, families may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential nabumetone birth defects lawsuit.
Nabumetone Side Effects
The following is a comprehensive list of the side effects associated with nabumetone use:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Development of mouth sores
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Lack of energy
- Flu-like symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
The severity of these side effects may indicate more severe complications associated with nabumetone treatment.
Nabumetone Birth Defects
According to an article published in Reuters, children introduced to NSAIDs like nabumetone during fetal development were three times more likely to develop severe eye conditions that could potentially interfere with their quality of life in a profound way. Otherwise known as anophthalmia and microphthalmia, these eye conditions are characterized by an underdevelopment of the eye, if not a lack there of. Amniotic band syndrome (ABS), another congenital abnormality common with nabumetone use, exhibited a similar increase in occurrence rates. Amniotic band syndrome occurs when strands of the amniotic sac tear in the womb and entangle digits, limbs, or other parts of the developing fetus.
Compounding concerns are recent statistics acknowledged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to their studies, anophthalmia and microphthalmia occur in approximately one out of every 5,300 live births in the United States, while ABS was found in about one in 10,000 newborn babies.
The following is a comprehensive list of several nabumetone birth defects that are associated with treatment during pregnancy:
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Spina bifida
- Anophthalmia
- Microphthalmia
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Amniotic band syndrome
NSAID & Nabumetone Birth Defects
According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NSAIDs such as nabumetone may increase the risk of development of several birth defects. Accordingly, the study was conducted to determine if the use of NSAIDs during early pregnancy are associated with a distinct range of structural and anatomical birth defects.
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 Nabumetone 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 nabumetone birth defect lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has conceived a child with birth defects after taking nabumetone 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.