A Washington 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 Washington Zofran attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Washington. 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 Zofran lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Zofran Use
WebMD explains that patients given Zofran are often cautioned to take the medication only as prescribed, with prescriptions varying due to a patient’s condition, weight, age and other factors. Also known as ondansetron, Zofran comes in liquid and pill forms that are taken by mouth to prevent vomiting. The medication is geared toward helping people undergoing radiation treatment and chemotherapy.
What is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is a common ailment that pregnant women experience. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, women may be at a higher risk of morning sickness if they have one or more of the following conditions:
- Taste sensitivity
- Motion sickness
- Previous history of motion sickness
Additionally, women who are pregnant with more than one child are at a higher risk of suffering morning sickness. In a small percentage of cases, morning sickness is serious enough that it becomes hyperemesis gravidarum or a severe type of nausea, requiring an IV treatment or medication regimen. Otherwise, morning sickness generally does not require treatment or hospitalization. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. It is most common and most severe during the first three months of pregnancy.
Zofran and Pregnant Women
Doctors have been reportedly prescribing Zofran to address morning sickness, a practice that is off label because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved this use of Zofran for morning sickness. In fact, Diclegis is the only category A medication for morning sickness that has received FDA approval.
After some studies brought to light a possible connection between women who took Zofran early in their pregnancies and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, and heart abnormalities, some healthcare experts have warned against prescribing the medication to pregnant women and warned pregnant women against taking it.
Zofran Lawsuits Filed
While it is not illegal for doctors to prescribe Zofran to help treat morning sickness, it is illegal for drug manufacturers to promote off-label use of medications. In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline reached a settlement of $1 billion in cases of alleged illegal off label promotion of certain drugs, including Zofran.
Hundreds of women in both the United States and Canada have filed lawsuits claiming a link between their infants’ birth defects and Zofran. They allege that GlaxoSmithKline has not gone far enough in warning doctors and patients about the risks of pregnant women taking Zofran. For example, in 2015 GlaxoSmithKline Canadian filings, the company points out that its wording specifically notes that Zofran should not be prescribed to pregnant women. However, lawsuits elsewhere say that Zofran warnings should go further and include information about the possible risks of taking Zofran while pregnant.
How a Washington 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Washington. 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.
