According to recent studies, mothers who use Paroxetine during pregnancy are twice as likely to give birth to children with extremely serious birth defects.
Paroxetine Lawsuit Update: On July 4, 2011, a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry announced that children born to mothers who took an SSRI antidepressant like Paroxetine during pregnancy may have an increased risk of developing a number of birth defects such asautism or autism-spectrum disorders.
If you or a loved one took Paroxetine while pregnant and gave birth to a child with birth defects, 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.
Paroxetine: An Overview
Since it was first approved by the FDA, Paroxetine has been used by millions of pregnant women to help with anxiety and depression involved with their pregnancy. Paxil has also been used to treat a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder – PMDD), nerve problems associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), chronic headaches, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Unfortunately, the fetuses of pregnant women using Paroxetine are at a greater risk of developing a birth defect.
What kind of birth defects has Paroxetine been linked to?
A number of Paroxetine-induced side effects to the unborn fetus have been reported including (but not limited to):
- Autism
- Autism-spectrum disorders
- increased risk of premature birth
- breathing problems
- gastrointestinal side effects
- motor problems
- PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension)
- abdominal birth defects
- heart birth defects
- cranial birth defects
FDA Warning on Paroxetine
In response to mounting evidence, the FDA in 2005 warned the public that SSRI antidepressants like Paroxetine had been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. The administration asked the manufacturers to modify the drug’s labeling to reflect this risk. The risk of birth defects is especially high if the woman took Paroxetine during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Additionally, the FDA moved Paroxetine from a class C drug to a class D drug. A class C drug is one that has been proven to harm animals; a class D drug is one that has been proven to harm the human fetus.
Do I have a Paroxetine 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 Paroxetine birth defects lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one took Paroxetine while pregnant and gave birth to a child with birth defects, you should contact our lawyers immediately by using the form below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.