An Arizona Zofran lawsuit may be an option for mothers who took the medication for morning sickness and had a child with birth defects. Zofran is usually prescribed for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy or cancer, and in some cases, physicians may prescribe it to treat the symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women. However, there is an alleged correlation between Zofran and certain birth defects, such as cleft palate, cleft lip and heart defects. People who have been impacted by the drug have brought forth their claims in an Arizona Zofran lawsuit.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Arizona today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Arizona Zofran lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Zofran and How Does It Work?
According to Medline Plus, Zofran, also known as ondanestron, is a widely prescribed drug that prevents illness by altering a chemical that has been heavily associated with nausea called serotonin. The drug is available in both liquid and tablet form, and was originally intended to combat the vomiting and severe nausea that many surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy patients experience. Zofran’s ability to block serotonin receptors and reduce nausea has led to its off-label use as a treatment for morning sickness during pregnancy.
Zofran Side Effects
Zofran, much like any other prescription drug, has been linked to a variety of side effects. Patients are told to report the following symptoms to their physician:
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Chills
Some of these known side effects, such as breathing difficulties and chest pain, can be the sign of serious medical conditions, and should be addressed by a physician immediately.
Zofran and Birth Defects Risks
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center states that Zofran should only be prescribed after alternative anti-nausea therapies have failed to produce results. In recent times, Zofran has been researched extensively, and some studies have even put forth evidence claiming that the risk of birth defects nearly doubles with its consumption.
Most of the data used in these studies was compiled by examining the rates of birth defects among women who did not use Zofran and those who did, discussing prescription drug use during pregnancy with the mothers of children suffering from birth defects, and exploring medical registries. The drug is prescribed to one in four women during their pregnancy, it is estimated.
Zofran Studies
A National Center for Biotechnology Information article detailed a Zofran study in Western Australia. The study intended to detail the correlation between Zofran and certain birth defects, including heart defects and deformities. The study observed 251 pregnant women between the years of 2002 and 2005 to see if Zofran use increased the risk of birth defects. The article also acknowledges the fact that Zofran is frequently prescribed “off-label,” and goes on to provide background information on the subjects.
The results of the study led the researchers to conclude that while Zofran could not be directly connected to the formation of birth defects, it could not be deemed completely safe for use during pregnancy. In particular, the study noted a minor increase in the risk of birth defect among infants whose mothers had consumed Zofran during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Zofran Lawsuit Claims
Zofran’s use as an off-label treatment for morning sickness has come under fire in many court cases. An Arizona Zofran lawsuit attorney notes a lawsuit alleging that the maker of Zofran neglected to perform adequate birth defect studies on humans. The case accuses GlaxoSmithKline of intentionally ignoring data linking birth defects and Zofran.
In Canada, a group of women filed a class action lawsuit against the drug maker as well. The women allege that they were prescribed Zofran without being warned or educated about the risk of birth defects. They claim that GlaxoSmithKline’s failure to provide adequate warning put the health of their children at risk. There are no federal warnings about Zofran and its potential to cause birth defects.
How an Arizona Zofran Lawsuit Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by bad drugs may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.Get Help Now.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Arizona. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
