Birth Defects from Paxil

Posted by Lawsuit Information on August 4th, 2015

If you took Paxil during pregnancy or are currently taking the drug and considering becoming pregnant, it’s important that you know that this is considered twice as dangerous as other antidepressant drugs for the fetus if taken during pregnancy. It is considered by the FDA a class D risk which means it has been shown to cause harm to the fetus of humans. The birth defects associated with this drug have been often life altering and fatal. The drug is actually called paroxetine but marketed as Paxil by GlaxoSmithKline.

The manufacturer of the Drug is GlaxoSmithKline which has been the subject of many lawsuits for creating and marketing dangerous drugs. This is one of the biggest pharmaceutical drug companies in the world and they have been subject to the largest lawsuit settlements for fraud and criminal behavior. They are so large that it is hard to stop them. Citizens can help to stop this unjust system that they are profiting billions from by reporting birth defects to the FDA, sharing this information with their community and filing lawsuits that include punitive damages which punish a company for unethical behavior.

The company is well aware of the birth defects that are caused by the drug and continue to sell it. Children are dying because of this. Lives are permanently altered and lived difficulty because of this as well. Paxil has also been associated with health problems for the mother and linked to thoughts of suicide or suicidal behaviors.

Some of the serious birth defects associated with Paxil include serious heart and lung defects as well as malformations such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Some of the heart and lung defects can be quickly fatal. Septal defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn, atrial septal defects, abdominal defects like omphalocele and respiratory distress are some of the medical names for some of the serious conditions this SSRI can cause.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn can require the infant to be on a ventilator and can also require a lung transplant. Unfortunately it often leads to death. Cleft lip and cleft palate often make it hard for the baby to create a suction while nursing or using a bottle and this can cause them to become malnourished by not being able to get nutrients. They may also lose hearing, have ear infections, get infections, develop speech impediments and need surgeries.

The manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline was also recently required to pay billion in fines for lawsuits over the drug. More lawsuits are pending and even more are expected to come forward when they realize the connection between the drug and the birth defects.

If you or someone you know has a child with birth defects and took Paxil during pregnancy, you may be eligible for a lawsuit. People are being compensated for the medical bills, time away from work, emotional loss and punitive damages. You can speak to a qualified lawyer for a free evaluation of your case. You should not be charged unless you receive a settlement.