According to the National Institutes of Health and other published medical research, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy occurs in 80-85% of pregnant women. Several medications can be used to alleviate what is commonly referred to as morning sickness, but there is insufficient data on how these drugs correlate with birth defects. Some anti-nausea medications, which were previously believed to be safe for pregnant women, now come with black box warning labels, the strongest warning label available before a drug must be pulled from the market.

What Birth Defects Can Zofran Cause?

Infants born to mothers who took Zofran during pregnancy may be born with malformations of the mouth, including a cleft lip or cleft palate. A cleft palate refers to a split in the roof of the mouth, while a cleft lip includes a gather or split in the mouth area. These disfigurations of the face can range from visible facial marks to massive developmental shortcomings, which can cause difficulty eating and/or breathing. Although modern surgeries can sometimes correct these birth defects, a child may face a lifetime of scarring or injuries so severe they cannot be fully corrected. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, taking Zofran during pregnancy can increase a baby’s risk of being born with a cleft palate twofold.

Zofran birth complications also include defects in the development of the infant’s heart. A baby may face life-threatening complications during the pregnancy, birth, or for the rest of his or her life as a result of heart defects, including congenital heart defects that threaten their lives.

At least one study showed women who took Zofran at any time during pregnancy had a 2.0 times increased risk of their baby being born with an APGAR score of less than six as long as five minutes after birth. This commonly used measurement of a newborn’s health determines the condition of the infant on a scale of one to ten, with a score of six or lower after five minutes indicating the baby may need medical assistance. The same study found an increased risk of a major birth defect, preterm birth, and shorter birth length with Zofran ingestion during pregnancy.

An article in Reproductive Toxicology found the risk of a cardiovascular defect, most notably a cardiac septum defect, was increased and statistically significant. This indicates an increased risk that mothers who take Zofran during pregnancy will give birth to a baby with a “hole in the heart,” also known as an atrial septal defect or a ventral septal defect. The article cites a Denmark study showing a 2.0 times increased risk of congenital heart malformation after first trimester in utero exposure to Zofran.

Zofran Birth Defects Lawyer

If you or someone you know took Zofran during pregnancy for nausea, and your child was born with birth defects, such as a cleft palate or congenital heart defect, you may be entitled to compensation. Taking on pharmaceutical companies is an intimidating prospect, but the attorneys at Blizzard Law PLLC have done it and won. We have experience in a wide range of medical and pharmaceutical cases.

Our trial lawyers have served in national litigation leadership positions involving cases where medications taken during pregnancy have caused birth defects. We have the experience you need on your side to make the best decision for your family. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.