Lexapro (escitalopram), is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It had been approved by the FDA to treat depression, and is used off label to treat generalized anxiety disorder (also known as GAD). This drug works by increasing serotonin, which a chemical in the brain that maintains mental balance. We are currently investigating individual lawsuits for families affected by Lexapro birth defects and there is no national Lexapro class action lawsuit covering all cases.
Lexapro and other SSRI antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), as well as other congenital heart defects. In a study that was released by the New England Journal of Medicine, infants whose mothers took Lexapro during their pregnancy were up to 6 times more likely to be born with Lexapro birth defects involving PPHN than mothers who did not take the antidepressant. The statistics show that the likelihood of PPHN rose to 12 cases per 1,000 births.
In addition to PPHN complications, SSRI drugs have been associated with a host of other serious birth defects such as: ventricular septal defects (hole in the heart), atrial septal defects (hole in the heart), hypoplastic left heart syndrome, coartication of the aorta, Shone’s Complex, and a host of other serious conditions. Some of these disorders range from a minor heart murmur, to extremely serious heart defects that require corrective surgery, or even a heart transplant.
Lexarpo Class Action Lawsuit
A Lexapro class action lawsuit would be quite different from a standard, more typical individual lawsuit involving Lexapro. In a Lexapro class action suit, a large group of plaintiffs would gather to form a single plaintiff for the purposes of the lawsuit. This plaintiff would bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Lexapro. In a class action lawsuit for a defective drug, the plaintiffs would be joined even though each separate plaintiff may have a very different list of injuries. Some plaintiffs for instance, may have a heart murmur that does not require surgery, and another plaintiff may have required a complete heart transplant. All plaintiffs would share equally in the award or settlement.
If you took Lexapro during your pregnancy, and your child has suffered a birth defect, you are likely angry and emotionally devastated. It is important to speak with a skilled Lexapro lawyer to educate yourself on your rights in this matter. It is important to know that in cases involving SSRI birth defects, many of these defects will require surgery. Heart surgery is typically required shortly after birth in many instances, and can be required more than once as a child grows. A skilled Lexapro lawyer will be aware of this and calculate the lifetime cost that a birth defect will cause. The manufacturer of Lexapro should be held responsible for the harm their drug has caused, including paying medical expenses, current and future,
If you have a child that has been injured by Lexapro, contact the Lexapro Birth Defects Lawsuits Center for advice and information. We can provide you with a free consultation free of charge and discuss the latest Lexapro lawsuit 2011 news and litigation updates.
