Zofran has been a commonly used anti-nausea drug for many different patients However, studies have been making a connection of the use of this drug to birth defects which can include cleft lips, cleft palate, and heart defects. With the help of a Zofran lawsuit attorney in Illinois, plaintiffs claim that the manufacturer of the drug, GlaxoSmithKline, advertised the medication as an off-label remedy to morning sickness, for which it had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These lawsuits claim that the drug makers did not appropriately warn pregnant women of the risks of birth defects associated with the use of the drug.
If you took Zofran during pregnancy and your child has birth defects, contact Attorney Group for Illinois for more information about the options available to you. At no out-of-pocket cost to you, we can help answer your questions in a confidential, no obligation consultation. If you have a case, we can connect you with an affiliated Zofran lawsuit attorney in Illinois or another state who can assist you throughout the legal process.
About Zofran
Commonly known as ondansetron, Zofran is an FDA-approved anti-nausea medication for treating vomiting and nausea associated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. It also acts to help control the shaking that some people experience after undergoing anesthesia. Although approved as an anti-nausea medication in these cases, the drug does not have FDA-approval for treating morning sickness in pregnant women, although many medical practitioners have prescribed it in these situations as an off-label use.
How Zofran Works
Zofran functions by blocking the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can induce nausea and vomiting by interacting with stomach and brain stem receptors. By inhibiting this interaction, Zofran suppresses the nausea, thereby reducing the occurrence of vomiting as well.
Risk of Injury
Studies have been conducted regarding the use of Zofran during pregnancy, and they so far suggest that birth defect risks increase by as much as 30 percent with the taking of the drug. It may also significantly increase the risk of the development of heart defects.
Zofran Risks
There are a variety of birth defects that seem to be related to the use of Zofran. Most of these defects appear to be musculoskeletal disfigurement, mouth disfigurement, jaundice, or heart-related defects. The particular birth defects associated with the taking of Zofran by pregnant women include:
- Atrial septal defects
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Heart defects
- Heart murmur
- Hydronephrosis
- Hypospadias
- Kidney defects
- Restriction of fetal growth
- Ventricular septal defects
Although these side effects appear to be limited to the fetus, there have also been some side effects experienced by the pregnant women taking the drug. These have included:
- Chills
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Headache
- Hives or rash
- Swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, or face
Some of these symptoms are indicative of an allergic reaction and should be addressed by a medical professional right away.
Other Possible Side Effects
The list of possible side effects do not end there. Pregnant mothers can end up with an electrolyte imbalance caused by too much nausea or vomiting. Serotonin Syndrome, which can lead to cognitive and behavioral changes that include agitation, confusion, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular changes, is also a possible side effect.
There have also been some adverse side effects in children aged 16 or younger who have taken the drug, including:
- Bradycardia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Palpitations
- Syncope
A Zofran lawsuit lawyer can help affected families explore their legal rights in seeking compensation for any adverse effects suffered while taking the anti-nausea medication.
Illinois Zofran Lawsuit Attorney
Although approved by the FDA and shown to be an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting among specific medical patients, Zofran is not an FDA-approved treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. Lawsuits claim that this off-label use has a significant risk to the fetus developing serious birth defects. It is important that if you or a loved one took this drug while pregnant and your child was born with defects that you contact a knowledgeable Zofran birth defect lawyer. The law puts a limit on the time you have to pursue a claim, so it is important that you take action quickly if you believe you have a case.
If you or a loved one took Zofran during pregnancy and delivered a child with birth defects, contact Attorney Group for Illinois for more information. When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or 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 for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
