Representing families affected by Effexor birth defects after using this antidepressant medication during pregnancy and helping families who have a child who developed side effects in filing Effexor lawsuits. We are currently filing cases individually and no nationwide Effexor class action lawsuit has been filed.
Recently, more information has come out involving studies and also patient reports regarding the antidepressant drug Effexor which is prescribed to treat depression and the association with serious Effexor birth defects problems. Effexor (generic name Venlafaxine) is a drug known as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) manufactured by Pfizer Inc. Many women of childbearing age have taken antidepressant medications such as Effexor which are also referred to as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
These types of antidepressant drugs have been shown to have a higher risk of different birth defects for the unborn infant associated with them including the increased risk of premature birth, breathing problems, gastrointestinal side effects and motor problems. The exact amount of risk of Effexor birth defects is currently unknown and there are a number of complex factor that are involved, however the risk of developing birth defect complications has been reported in children following use of these medications. Women taking this drug during their pregnancy can expose their baby to the medication while in the womb leading to the development of an Effexor birth defect.
Effexor Birth Defects May Include:
Abdominal Birth Defects: Also referred to as “omphalocele”. An omphalocele is a birth defect where the infant’s intestine or other abdominal organs such as the liver or spleen stick out of the belly button. According to data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study of infants, women who used an SSRI antidepressant drug had an increased risk of having an infant with abdominal birth defects.
Cranial Birth Defects: Also referred to as “craniosynostosis”. Exposure to SSRI drugs is associated with an infant developing craniosynostosis. This birth defect of the brain is characterized by the premature closing of one or more of the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull before brain growth is complete.
PPHN: (Persistent pulmonary hypertension) PPHN is a serious cardiopulmonary or lung disorder that affects newborn babies. In 2006 the Food and Drug Administration announced a Public Health Advisory for SSRI drugs regarding a study that suggested a PPHN risk that was six times more common in newborns where the mother used an SSRI antidepressant drug during her pregnancy. PPHN of the newborn is caused by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance where venous blood is diverted through fetal channels into the systemic circulation bypassing the lungs which results in systemic arterial hypoxemia.
Heart Birth Defects: On December 8, 2005, the Food and Drug Administration alerted medical professionals and patients about early results of new studies suggesting that certain SSRI medications may increase the risk for birth defects, particularly heart defects, when mothers use it early during pregnancy.
We believe that the manufacturer of Effexor should be held accountable for any Effexor birth defects they are legally responsible for and families should be fairly compensated for their child’s damages due to Effexor and pregnancy side effects. Many families and their infants have had their life changed in a number of ways due to Effexor birth defects including:
• Unpaid medical bills
• Emotional suffering
• Permanent injuries
• Greater risk of developing future problems
• Future surgeries and therapy
• Loss of their quality of life
Effexor Birth Defects Lawsuit
If your child has suffered from Effexor birth defects please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation. We are currently investigating cases for families involving an Effexor birth defect that occurred after using this antidepressant medication. For the latest news and updates and information on filing an Effexor birth defects lawsuit claim please call or e-mail us today.
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