Studies have shown the antidepressant Paxil may cause a birth injury and its manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, along with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), have warned doctors about it.
If you suspect your baby has been injured at birth because of your intake of Paxil, a Cleveland birth injury attorney may be able to provide you with help to determine if your doctor was negligent in prescribing this drug.
Study Results on Paxil Intake and Birth Injury
Paxil’s link to birth injuries has been growing over the past few years. The FDA has cited a study involving more than 3,500 pregnant women. This study showed the women taking Paxil were twice as likely to have a baby born with a major health concern than those who took another antidepressant.
Infants born to women who took Paxil during the first trimester also were more likely to have sustained an injury at birth, according to the study.
Common Birth Injuries Related to Paxil
The most common injury seen in the study involving Paxil was heart malformations, specifically ventricular septal defects (VSD). Also known as VSD, this defect is identified by an opening or hole in the infant’s heart. The hole usually lies between the heart’s lower chambers, and the danger is that it allows the mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.
The good news is with smaller VSD can be surgically repaired and many children are able to lead normal lives with minimal issues related to the medical condition.
Compensating Damages for Paxil-related Birth Injury
A drug, such as Paxil, that has been shown to have an adverse effect on an unborn child could be attributed to negligence. This negligence may be assigned to the doctor, manufacturer or both, depending on the circumstances.
Families in Ohio who have suffered through birthing injuries similar to this have received damages for their current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering and emotional distress, as well as their child’s disability and/or disfigurement.
A lawyer can discuss the type of compensation you and your child may be entitled to receive as a result of taking Paxil during your pregnancy.
Consult with a Cleveland Birth Injury Attorney
If you took Paxil while you were pregnant and your child was born with a serious medical condition or defect, you may want to consult with a knowledgeable injury attorney. The Becker Law Firm has been representing Ohio residents who have experienced types of medical negligence during labor for years. To find out more about your rights to fair compensation, give them a call today at (440) 252-4399.