A Massachusetts Zofran lawsuit may be an option for mothers who took the medication for morning sickness and had a child with birth defects. When women suffer from severe nausea during pregnancy, some turn to medication for relief. One such option, Zofran, has recently been the target of lawsuits, alleging that the drug is linked to birth defects such as heart malformations and cleft palate. Affected mothers may be eligible to file a Massachusetts Zofran lawsuit if they took the drug during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with birth defects.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Zofran lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Is Zofran?
According to MedlinePlus, serotonin is a cause of vomiting and nausea. Those treated for cancer using chemotherapy are prescribed Ondansetron, which is marketed as Zofran. This drug interferes with serotonin, thereby lessening the symptoms experienced. Ondansetron is characterized as a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist drug.
Along with its approved application, ondansetron is prescribed to pregnant women afflicted by morning sickness. The Mayo Clinic describes morning sickness as bouts of nausea and vomiting that can take place during pregnancy. In some women morning sickness can be quite severe, which necessitates further treatment via intravenous fluids. Many women suffer from morning sickness for the duration of their pregnancies, although it is frequently experienced during the first trimester.
Zofran Birth Defects
Despite Zofran’s use as a morning sickness treatment, the drug has been associated with the onset of very severe birth defects. According to Ob. Gyn. News, many doctors have failed to heed warnings related to the risks posed to women who take the medication during their first trimester. However, recent studies underscore the seriousness of potential effects on babies born to mothers who have taken Zofran. While there is a call for further research, one study including more than 9,000 pregnant women showed that rates of cleft palate were two times greater when Zofran was taken.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that cleft palate can cause a number of complications, including a greater instance of ear infections, hearing difficulties and issues with speaking and eating. This condition is characterized by a failure of tissues within the mouth to develop properly, which results in a gap forming.
Other Zofran Side Effects
Along with the possibility of birth defects like cleft palate, Zofran can also cause a range of other side effects, including:
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Itching
- Headache
- Swelling of the face and/or extremities
- Constipation
Some complications associated with Zofran can be more serious than others. It’s recommended that those suffering from prolonged side effects seek out medical attention.
FDA Safety Announcement
Along with the above risks and complications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued safety announcements related to intravenous applications of ondansetron. The agency’s findings led the manufacturer of Zofran to make changes to product labeling, warning of the possibility of a heart rhythm disorder.
Referred to as Torsades de Pointes, this condition involves electrical activity within the heart and can prove fatal in some cases. The FDA recommends administration of a lower intravenous dose, as well as informing medical professionals to undertake comprehensive monitoring for those patients currently taking Zofran.
Zofran Lawsuit Claims
Ill-effects linked to Zofran use during pregnancy have led numerous women to seek compensation for subsequent birth defects. Many allege that no safety tests were conducted to determine whether Zofran was safe for use among pregnant women, and in one case a woman who was given Zofran to treat morning sickness gave birth to a baby with a cleft palate and cleft lip.
Additionally, some take issue with the way the drug is marketed. While doctors are allowed to prescribe medications for ailments other than what they were approved for, manufacturers are not permitted to advertise a drug for unapproved uses.
Whereas many women have taken Zofran without incident, Massachusetts Zofran lawsuit attorneys claim the manufacturer did not adequately disclose the risks of the drug to mothers who subsequently delivered children with birth defects.
How a Massachusetts 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 File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts. 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.
