A Minnesota Clomid lawsuit or Serophene lawsuit may be an option for women who took the fertility drug and had a child with birth defects. When women have a difficult time becoming pregnant, their physician may prescribe the infertility drug Clomid, otherwise known as clomiphene citrate. While the drug, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has helped many women become pregnant and deliver healthy babies, some women allege that the drug caused their child to be born with certain birth defects. Affected families may be eligible to seek compensation for damages with the help of a Minnesota Clomid lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota 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 Minnesota Clomid lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Is Clomid?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Clomid has the ability to help reverse the effects of irregular ovulation patterns in adult females. It also has the ability to treat male infertility and hypothalamic issues. Its ability to increase sperm production and reverse the effects of irregular ovulation has made Clomid one of the most popular fertility treatments on the market.
Clomid is also capable of altering hormone production in both sexes. When females ingest the drug, it stimulates healthy ovulation, and the hormonal changes prepare to nurture a child. In males, the hormone changes are capable of combating pituitary issues that lead to the malformation of male sexual organs. Clomid continues to be prescribed by physicians around the world to patients suffering from infertility and hormonal disorders.
Clomid and Birth Defects
In one study, a research team from the Harvard School of Public Health focused on the occurrence of autism in children whose mothers had taken Clomid prior to conception, according to TIME magazine. They found that women who took infertility medication were nearly twice as likely to have autistic children as those who conceived naturally. Although some information in the study was limited, the results have reportedly pushed researchers and the public to question the safety of the prescription medication.
Another study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention evaluated babies who had birth defects in a certain geographical area. Researchers attempted to determine whether the birth defects were caused from the drug clomiphene citrate. The study found that the following birth abnormalities were linked to the drug:
- Anencephaly, which occurs when a major area of the brain and skull fail to develop
- Craniosynostosis, a defect where the skull bones fuse too early, before the brain has a chance to fully develop
- Congenital heart defects
- Narrowing of the aortic vessel in the heart
- Esophageal atresia, or a condition where the esophagus does not fully connect to the stomach
Clomid has also been linked to a condition known as omphalocele. This occurs when the abdominal muscles do not form properly and allow organs, such as the liver and intestines, to protrude in a sac outside of the abdomen.
The FDA also cautions that taking clomiphene can increase the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, harelip, spina bifida, club food, cleft palate and certain visual disorders. Clomid has been given a pregnancy category X by the FDA, indicating that taking the medication while pregnant may lead to birth defects.
Clomid Side Effects
As with any medication, there are several reported side effects linked to taking Clomid. These include:
- Breast tenderness and bloating
- Hot flashes and headaches
- GI upset
- Mood changes
In addition to these side effects, clomiphene citrate may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, dizziness and blurred vision. In some cases, promoting ovulation can lead to the release and fertilization of more than one egg. This increases the chance that the mother will have twins or triplets.
In October 2012, the FDA required the makers of Clomid to update their warning labels. These updates are intended to provide users of the drug with a comprehensive overview of potential side effects.
Clomid Lawsuit Claims
A number of lawsuits have been filed claiming that manufacturer Sanofi-Avantis should be held responsible for adverse reactions caused by taking Clomid. One lawsuit in particular specifically alleged that the company failed to warn the public about the possible birth defects that could occur as a result of taking the drug. In the lawsuit, claimants argued that clomiphene citrate remains in the body for a period of time after the mother stops taking the medication. It is during this time that the drug can affect the developing fetus and cause the abnormal formation of organs, nerves and tissues.
How a Minnesota Clomid 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 Clomid, and their families, 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 Minnesota. 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.
