In a recent study, researchers indicated a correlation between Clomiphene citrate, the active ingredient in fertility drugs Clomid and Serophene, and congenital birth defects, including those affecting the head, limbs, and heart. Affected children of mothers who used Clomiphene to treat infertility may be eligible to file a Mississippi Clomid lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Mississippi 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 attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Clomiphene?
Clomiphene is a non-steroidal fertility medication, commonly used to stimulate and trigger ovulation. Despite the effectiveness of the medication to treat infertility, there have been a number of side effects and risks associated with its use.
Clomiphene risks and side effects include:
- Nausea
- Multiple pregnancies
- Birth defects
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Breast discomfort
- Hot flashes
How Does Clomiphene Work?
Clomiphene is an oral medication used to stimulate ovulation in women who are unable to produce eggs but wish to become pregnant. It works by acting on the estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for hormone production. Clomiphene is also prescribed as an off-label medication to treat male infertility and increase sperm production. “Off-label” use of clomiphene to treat male infertility has been neither tested nor approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Clomiphene Birth Defect Risks
A study reported on by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), suggests a correlation between clomiphene use and serious birth defects, including congenital birth defects affecting brain and skull development.
According to the CDC report, mothers of children with the following birth defects said they used clomiphene more often than mothers of children without birth defects:
- Anencephaly (abnormal brain and skull development)
- Septal heart defects (abnormal connection between the heart’s lower chambers)
- Coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the aorta)
- Esophageal atresia (underdeveloped esophagus)
- Craniosynostosis (premature closure of the skull)
- Omphalocele (intestine or abdominal organs are located outside of the body)
Other serious birth defects associated with Clomiphene use as reported by the CDC (in a very small number of cases) include the following:
- Dandy-Walker malformation (congenital brain malformation of the cerebellum and the fluid-filled spaces around it)
- Muscular ventricular septal defect (hole in the wall of the heart’s lower chambers)
- Cloacal exstrophy (abnormal position of the large intestine and bladder)
Fertility Drugs and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a wide range of symptoms, skills and levels of impairment or disability that occur in conditions known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Chronic deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
- Inappropriate social interaction, poor eye contact, or self-harm
- Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (usually recognized in the first two years of life)
In 2010, a study conducted by a team of researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health reported an association between ovulation inducing drugs and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and concluded the use of such drugs should be considered as a potential risk factor for ASD in future studies. According to an article in Time reporting on the study, the association between fertility drugs such as Clomid and autism also appeared to strengthen with exposure.
Other Clomid Side Effects
According to the FDA, other side effects that have been reportedly linked to pregnancies following ovulation induction therapy with Clomid during clinical trials include cleft palate, club foot, down syndrome, harelip, spina bifida, and other visual disorders.
How a Mississippi Clomid 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.
Patients who are injured by Clomid may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- The permanency of the injury
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after taking Clomid, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
Patients who have suffered severe side effects after taking Clomid, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the drug, are encouraged to seek the advice of a Mississippi Clomid lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Mississippi. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
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 or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Mississippi today.
