Questions and Answers

I am pregnant now and taking Paxil. What are the potential risks to my child?

Studies show that use of Paxil during pregnancy can increase the possibility of birth defects, including atrial and ventricular septal defects in the heart, omphalocele (where the abdominal contents protrude at the umbilical cord, and craniosynostosis which causes the sutures of an infant's head to close prematurely.

Use of Paxil late in pregnancy has also been linked to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) which restricts blood flow and is potentially fatal. Your doctor can provide more complete information about the potential risks of using Paxil during pregnancy.

My child has been born with a hole in the heart. What do I do now?

A "hole in the heart" or ventricular septal defect, limits the blood flow to the lungs and prevents full oxygenation of the blood. In most cases this defect can be corrected through surgery, and some smaller defects can actually heal themselves as the child grows. The good news is that in most cases, a child born with a hole in the heart can live a normal and active life, provided that he or she receives the right medical treatment. Whatever your child's condition, he or she needs care by an experienced heart specialist.

Where can I find reliable legal advice?

If you used Paxil or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) during your pregnancy, your child's condition may have been caused by your use of the medication. An attorney at Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers can discuss your right to compensation, the strength of your birth defect claim, and what it will take to get results for you.

The compensation we obtain can provide the critically needed medical care your child needs in order to live a normal life.

By filing and prevailing in a lawsuit against the manufacturer GlaxoKlineSmith, you also put them and other pharmaceutical manufacturers on notice that the development and sale of defective drugs will not be allowed. By taking action, you can help improve the safety of new medications and prevent defective pharmaceuticals from coming to market.

Where can I find additional information about Paxil?

Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers has collected some helpful information resources on this web site. Visit the page entitled Paxil Use During Pregnancy or other pages on this site to learn more about Paxil. If your child has suffered a birth defect and you suspect that Paxil may be the cause, a lawyer at our firm can explain your legal options. Our firm represents clients across the nation.

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