Prozac and Heart Defects
Prozac Heart Defect Lawyers
If your or your loved one were prescribed the drug Prozac, (also known in its generic form as fluoxetine hydrochloride) you should know that there is a possible connection between the use of the drug by a pregnant woman and resulting heart defects in her newborn baby. SSRIs such as Prozac are being investigated for a possible connection these serious birth defects. SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.
These heart defects may include atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, Tetralogy of fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, transposition of the great arteries (TGA or TOGA), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and coarctation of the aorta (CoA)
Prozac is also believed to cause the birth defect craniosynostosis and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Public Health Advisory recognizing a possible connection between Prozac and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (“PPHN”). Any mother who took Prozac or fluoxetine hydrochloride while pregnant may be entitled to compensation for themselves or their baby and should contact one of our Prozac Heart Defect Lawyers now for a free consultation.
What is Prozac?
Prozac (Fluoxetine) contains benzyl alcohol, butyl paraben, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, edetate calcium disodium, FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, iron oxide yellow, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, silicone, sodium propionate, sodium lauryl sulfate, starch and titanium dioxide.
What is Prozac Used for?
Prozac (Fluoxetine) is used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bulimia Nervosa, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety and has in the past been given to pregnant women with these symptoms.
What Are the Side-Effects of Using Prozac?
Side effects of using Prozac (Fluoxetine) include hypersensitivity, suicidal tendencies, and studies have shown a correlation between Prozac ingested by pregnant women and serious heart defects resulting in their babies. Women who took Prozac while pregnant should have their baby evaluated for hypertension and heart defects. Similarly, parents of children with such issues should determine if the mother was prescribed Prozac while pregnant.
” Prozac, also known as fluoxetine hydrochloride, a drug used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, has been linked to serious heart defects in babies whose mothers took the drug while pregnant. A connection between Prozac use serious cardiac malformations has been shown. These heart defects in babies include ventricular and septal defects. Any woman who took this drug while pregnant should have their child evaluated and may be entitled to compensation.”
Attorney Michael P. Fleming.
The risk to the baby is so great that the manufacturer of Prozac now advises doctors that “Prozac should not be administered to pregnant women or those intending to become pregnant unless in the opinion of the treating physician, the expected benefits to the patient markedly outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus or the child.” Furthermore, it has been found that use of SSRI drugs by a pregnant woman results in a six-fold increase in the risk of the baby developing persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).
If you took Prozac while pregnant immediately email the Prozac lawyers at Fleming Law or call us toll free at (888) 529-0018 today.
“FDA ALERT [07/2006]: Increased Risk of Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension
A recently published case-control study has shown that infants born to mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) after the 20th week of pregnancy were 6 times more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than infants born to mothers who did not take antidepressants during pregnancy (see SSRI drug names at the bottom of this sheet). The background risk of a woman giving birth to an infant affected by PPHN in the general population is estimated to be about 1 to 2 infants per 1000 live births. Neonatal PPHN is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The FDA is updating the prescribing information for all SSRIs with this new information. The FDA is also accruing data from additional sources pertaining to the potential association between SSRIs and neonatal PPHN. The FDA will provide additional information when it becomes available. In the interim, the FDA recommends that physicians carefully consider and discuss with patients the potential risks and benefits of SSRI treatment throughout pregnancy, including late pregnancy. “US Food and Drug Administration Announcement, July, 2006.
The manufacturer of Prozac, Eli Lilly has even disclosed the possible connection as follows:
” Use of Prozac in Pregnant Women: Effects on Newborns : Results of a number of epidemiological studies of pregnancy outcomes following early maternal exposure to antidepressants have been inconsistent, but there is some evidence of a possible small increase in the risk of cardiac malformations (eg ventricular and septal defects) associated with use of fluoxetine. The mechanism is unknown. The use of PROZAC during pregnancy should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus taking into account the risks associated with untreated depression.” Eli Lilly Product Monograph, January 7, 2011.
Statutes of limitation can bar a valid claim if not asserted in time. Therefore, if you or a loved one were prescribed Prozac while pregnant, contact one of our Prozac heart defect lawyers today to discuss the facts of your situation and your potential claim.
