Zoloft Birth Defects
Zoloft
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed than women taking Zoloft during pregnancy had an increased risk of delivering a child with a heart defect. The study, which examined 10,000 infants born with birth defects and 6,000 healthy infants, found that women taking Zoloft during the first few months of pregnancy are twice as likely to bear a child with a heart abnormality when compared to those taking another class of antidepressants. In addition to heart defects, it has also been alleged that the drug can also lead to skull and abdominal defects, for which the mother may be able to seek compensation for medical bills and other damages.
If you delivered a child with a Zoloft-related birth defect, you may be able to participate in a lawsuit to recover compensation. Fill out our no cost, no obligation case review on the right to find out if you are eligible to participate in a lawsuit.
Birth Defects
Zoloft and the generic sertraline drugs are classified under Pregnancy Category C, indicating that animal studies have shown that the drug may pose a risk to an unborn fetus. Potential risks posed to infants exposed to the drug during pregnancy can reportedly include:
- Cardiac defects
- Atrial septal defects (ASD)
- Ventricular septal defects (VSD)
- Aorta coarctation
- Hypoplastic right or left heart syndrome
- Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
- Tetralogy of fallot (TOF)
- Craniosynostosis (skull defect)
- Spina bifida
Allegedly, other birth defects may include anal atresia, a hole in the heart, limb reduction, club foot and an abdominal wall defect known as omphalocele in which the intestines protrude through the belly button.
Taking Legal Action
Women who delivered children with heart abnormalities or other birth defects while taking Zoloft may be able to participate in a lawsuit to recover compensation. Birth defects can require surgery and other special medical care, and mothers who elect to take legal action may be able to obtain compensation for these expenses and other damages. To find out if you are entitled to compensation for your child’s birth defects, complete our free case evaluation form on the right. The birth defects lawyers working with our site are providing this online consultation at no cost and are dedicated to protecting the rights of children who were born with Zoloft-related birth defects.