A Minnesota Zofran lawsuit may be an option for mothers who took the medication for morning sickness and had a child with birth defects. Zofran is a medication designed to stop the body from producing chemicals that can cause vomiting and nausea. While many patients have benefitted from it, lawsuits are alleging that the drug is linked to birth defects such as heart malformations and cleft palate. Affected families may be eligible to pursue claims for compensation with the help of a Minnesota Zofran lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Minnesota Zofran lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Zofran Use
According to MedlinePlus, the main component of Zofran is a medication known as ondansetron. It is used before surgery, therapy involving radiation, or chemotherapy for cancer to combat potential vomiting and nausea. Patients are often given this drug by mouth as a solution or in pill form, which can sometimes be dissolvable. Ondansetron can also be used to mitigate nausea in the time following a procedure.
Nausea can sometimes be caused by serotonin. Accordingly, ondansetron works by inhibiting serotonin within the body, which in turn reduces the likelihood of sickness and associated vomiting. Zofran is categorized as a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist.
Off-Label Applications
A drug may be prescribed for ailments outside of what it was initially approved for. According to WebMD, this is known as an off-label use. Clinical trial results are used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the approval process. However, even if the FDA approves a drug for only a single purpose, doctors may prescribe a drug for other conditions.
This is the case with Zofran, which is a common treatment for severe morning sickness in pregnant women. As described by The Mayo Clinic, many women experience a mild form of morning sickness that doesn’t usually require treatment. However, in serious cases, hospitalization may occur. Morning sickness can be an issue for the duration of a pregnancy (although it happens most frequently in the first trimester).
Possible Zofran Side Effects
Live Science reports on a number of side effects associated with Zofran. There is a risk of adverse drug reactions when Zofran is taken with other medications, such as antidepressants. The following complications can also occur:
- Rash
- Facial swelling
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Diarrhea
In some cases, side effects linked to Zofran can be quite severe. In this event, patients are urged to seek medical attention.
Zofran Birth Defects
Along with the above complications, pregnant women taking Zofran may also be at risk of delivering a child with severe birth defects. OBGYNNews.com details a study involving 9,000 pregnant women who were prescribed ondansetron in their first trimester. The study showed that those women who were exposed to ondansetron early in their pregnancies were twice as likely to give birth to babies with cleft palate.
Zofran Lawsuit Claims
Allegations of manufacturer negligence have come about due to Zofran’s alleged association with birth defects. After being prescribed the drug, one woman delivered a child with significant oral cleft defects, which required extensive surgery to correct. The child in question has suffered from a range of issues, including the need for ongoing therapy, complications from multiple surgeries and developmental delays.
In another case, a baby was born with a hole in the atrial wall after being exposed to Zofran in utero. This condition requires the heart and lungs to work harder to properly function, and can also cause the development of disorders that can potentially threaten one’s life. Both lawsuits claim that the manufacturer did not make these side effects well-known, which prevented pregnant women from making an informed decision.
How a Minnesota Zofran Lawsuit Can Help
Drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are accompanied by full and accurate instructions and warnings to guide prescribing doctors and other health care providers in making treatment decisions. 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 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.
