Paxil Use During Pregnancy

Since its introduction in 1992, millions of doses of the medication Paxil have been prescribed to treat depression and anxiety. More and more evidence is emerging that using Paxil or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of life-threatening birth defects such as heart and lung defects.

Mothers who have used Paxil during pregnancy and expectant mothers taking the drug should be aware of these birth defect risks. If your child was born with a birth defect or a congenital heart condition, you should learn as much as you can about your child's condition and what can be done to correct the problem or lessen its effects.

Medical treatment for these conditions is very costly. An attorney at Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers can help explain your rights.

The Risks to Your Child

Using Paxil during pregnancy has been linked to at least two types of serious birth defects:

Ventricular and/or Atrial Septal Defects - these heart defects prevent full oxygenation of the blood by the lungs. Studies indicate that Paxil taken in early pregnancy doubles a baby's chance of being born with a heart defect. During the first several weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heart develops. It is possible a woman is not aware she is pregnant before her baby's heart is completely developed. These defects affect the chambers of the heart. In most cases the defect can be corrected by surgery. In a small number of cases it can heal itself as the child grows. This type of medical condition is commonly called a "hole in the heart."

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) - Babies born with PPHN have abnormal blood flow through their heart and lungs and do not get enough oxygen to their bodies. Babies born with PPHN can be very sick and may even die. An article in the February 9, 2006 New England Journal of Medicine entitled "Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn" describes a study which found an association between the maternal use of SSRIs (including Paxil) and PPHN in the offspring.

How We Can Help

Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers are experienced drug litigation attorneys who work to obtain compensation, answers and justice for people who have suffered injury because of defective medications. If you used Paxil during pregnancy and your child was born with PPHN or a birth defect, we may be able to help.

Your child deserves to live a life as full and as complete as possible. A Paxil lawsuit may provide your child with a chance to live that life.

For a free consultation with a lawyer at Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers about a Paxil lawsuit, call toll free 877-844-3760, or contact us online.