What is Cleft Palate?

Cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects. The definition of a ‘cleft’ is an opening or splitting of the upper lip, roof of the mouth (palate) or both of these defects. Cleft palate happens when the facial structures are developing during pregnancy and they don’t entirely close.

Cleft palate often occurs as an isolated birth defect, without other birth defects. However, there are often other birth defects found along with cleft palate. Recent research, including a study conducted by the National Birth Defects Prevention Study claim that certain birth defects like cleft palate may be caused by the prenatal use of antidepressants like Effexor when taken during the early stages of pregnancy.

Cleft palate typically leaves behind a certain level of scarring, depending on when the defect is discovered and corrected.

Cleft Palate Symptoms

Common cleft lip/palate symptoms and problems include:

• Chronic ear infections
• Problems speaking
• Eating issues
• Poorly shaped nose
• Crooked teeth
• Low weight

The cleft in a baby is typically identifiable immediately at the time of birth. Cleft palate may affect either or both portions of the face. Cleft palate may only be small or it may go all the way from the lip through the upper gum and palate into the lower portion of the infant’s nose.

Sometimes the cleft appears in the muscles of the soft portion of the palate at the rear of the mouth covered by the lining of the mouth. Due to its hidden nature, a cleft in the soft portion of the palate might not be diagnosed at birth.

Other symptoms may include:

• Trouble feeding
• Nasal regurgitation
• Excessive gassiness

About Effexor

Effexor (Venlafaxine) was introduced to the market in 1994. It is considered a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor is typically used to treat major anxiety disorders and depression. There is not a lot of information presently available about the side effects and complications of Effexor other than that it is a Pregnancy Category C drug, as noted by the Food and Drug Administration. Class C category drugs have shown adverse effects in clinical trials with animals, but there is presently not enough evidence from human trials. This could mean that there simply have not been any human tests, or that the tests have not shown adequate evidence.

Effexor Cleft Palate Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Effexor may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Effexor cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Effexor during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you).

What is Anencephaly?

Anencephaly is a congenital (present at birth) birth defect which involves missing a large portion of the brain and skull. Anencephaly is considered a neural tube defect and is one of the most common neural tube defects. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are defects present at birth which damage the tissue which becomes the spinal cord and the brain.

Anencephaly typically happens in the early stages of development of the fetus. Anencephaly occurs when the higher portion of the neural tube does not close correctly. The exact cause of anencephaly is unknown, but recent research suggests that it is more common with the use of certain antidepressants such as Effexor taken early in pregnancy. Another potential cause is a low intake of folic acid by the pregnant mother.

Anencephaly currently happens in approximately 1 of every 10,000 births in the United States. The exact number of cases is not known because many fetuses with anencephaly result in miscarriages. Having one child with anencephaly may result in an increased risk of having more children with the birth defect.

Symptoms of Anencephaly

Some common symptoms of anencephaly in newborn infants may include some or all of the following:

• Lack of portions of the skull
• Lack of portions of the brain (cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum)
• Abnormalities of facial features
• Heart defects

About Effexor

Effexor (Venlafaxine) was introduced to the market in 1994. It is considered a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor is typically used to treat major anxiety disorders and depression. There is not a lot of information presently available about the side effects and complications of Effexor other than that it is a Pregnancy Category C drug, as noted by the Food and Drug Administration. Class C category drugs have shown adverse effects in clinical trials with animals, but there is presently not enough evidence from human trials. This could mean that there simply have not been any human tests, or that the tests have not shown adequate evidence.

Effexor Anencephaly Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Effexor may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Effexor cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Effexor during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you).

Tekturna®, TekturnaHCT®, Valturna®, Tekamlo®, Amturnide® and all Aliskiren Based Products Alert

On Decemeber 20, 2011 Novartis announced that the above drugs may cause serious and potentially life threatening side effects particularly for patients with Type 2 diabetes when taken with ACE & ARB drugs, including stroke, kidney damage, high potassium, low blood pressure and possible death. (See below)

Patient Safety Alert – December 20, 2011

Novartis has suspended promotion of Tekturna®, TekturnaHCT®, Valturna®, Tekamlo®, Amturnide®, Aliskiren® after terminating a study in patients with Type 2 diabetes and renal impairment who are also at high risk of cardiovascular and renal events after researchers saw an increased number of adverse events including non-fatal stroke, kidney complications, hyperkalemia and hypotension. An increased number of adverse events potentially caused by the drugs were found in a drug trial that was terminated according to Novartis and other sources on December 20, 2011. These adverse events increased when the drugs were given in combination with the heart/cardiovascular treatment ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) and ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) drugs. Patients with Type 2 diabetes are particularly at risk. Variations of the drug in combination with others may include HCT (hydrochlorothiazide) valsartan and/or amlodipine.

Potential side effects include:

• Stroke
• Heart Attack / Cardiac Injury
• Renal Failure
• Kidney Damage
• Kidney Failure
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium / irregular heart beat)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)

NOTE: Novartis indicates that patients should not cease taking these drugs without consulting with their health care professional. If any drug reaction, side effect or injury occurs, seek medical treatment immediately. If you have any questions about these drugs and you medical care or possible health effects, then talk to you Doctor. If you are having serious or life threatening complications, call for medical attention immediately.

Tekturna Lawsuit, Valturna Lawsuit and Aliskiren Lawsuits

If you or a loved one have taken Tekturna®, TekturnaHCT®, Valturna®, Tekamlo®, or Amturnide® and suffered a stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, kidney failure, been diagnosed with high potassium or low blood pressure, then call our law firm to discuss a possible lawsuit, or claim for monetary damages for the injuries you have suffered. Talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer with over 25 years of personal injury trial experience. Call for a Free and Confidential Case Consultation regarding your injuries and losses.

Talk to a Lawyer – Toll Free 1-800-883-9858 or Click Here

Novartis Press Release

Novartis announces termination of ALTITUDE study with Rasilez®/Tekturna® in high-risk patients with diabetes and renal impairment.

• ALTITUDE study involved patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment who are at high risk of cardiovascular and renal events
• Committee overseeing study identified higher adverse events when Rasilez/Tekturna was added to an ACE or ARB drug in this patient population
• Patient safety is the highest priority and Novartis is in dialogue with health authorities worldwide. Patients should contact their health care provider if they have any concerns
• Assessment of results of the ALTITUDE study and the potential implications for Rasilez/Tekturna-based products* is ongoing

Basel, December 20, 2011 – Novartis announced that following the seventh interim review of data from the ALTITUDE study with Rasilez®/Tekturna® (aliskiren), a decision to terminate the trial has been taken on the recommendation of the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) overseeing the trial. The DMC concluded that patients were unlikely to benefit from treatment added on top of standard anti-hypertensives, and identified higher adverse events in patients receiving Rasilez/Tekturna in addition to standard of care in the trial. Specifically, in the trial arm in which Rasilez/Tekturna was added to the standard of care there was an increased incidence after 18-24 months of non-fatal stroke, renal complications, hyperkalemia and hypotension in this high-risk study population. The placebo-controlled Phase III ALTITUDE study is the first trial to investigate Rasilez/Tekturna for more than one year in a specific population of patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment. These patients are known to be at high risk of cardiovascular and renal events. In the study, Rasilez/Tekturna was given in addition to optimal cardiovascular treatment including an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Novartis is in ongoing discussions with health authorities worldwide about the implications of the findings from ALTITUDE for patients. As a precautionary measure Novartis will cease promotion of Rasilez/Tekturna-based products for use in combination with an ACE-inhibitor or ARB.

“Patient safety is the highest priority for Novartis, and we are in a dialogue with health authorities worldwide,” said David Epstein, Division Head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Novartis is recommending that ALTITUDE investigators remove Rasilez/Tekturna-based products from their patients’ treatment regimen and review their high blood pressure medication. Novartis is also reviewing the findings with DMCs of other clinical studies involving Rasilez/Tekturna-based products and combination therapies. 2/3

Patients in ALTITUDE should contact their study site for guidance on medication and should not stop treatment until they have seen their physician in view of the importance of controlling high blood pressure. Any patients using Rasilez/Tekturna or other aliskiren combination products who may have questions about their medication should consult their healthcare provider. For more information visit www.novartis.com.

Total sales of Rasilez/Tekturna-based products for the first nine months of 2011 were USD 449 million (1% of Novartis Group sales) and are likely to be negatively impacted by the study results going forward. Product profitability in 2011 was negative. A further update of the actual financial implications will be communicated when the regulatory dialogue has been concluded.

About Aliskiren

Aliskiren was approved in 2007 in the EU and US under the brand-names Rasilez and Tekturna respectively, for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) either as monotherapy or in combination with other medications. The efficacy and safety of Rasilez/Tekturna have been investigated in more than 57,000 patients who have been treated with this medicine in clinical studies.

Rasilez/Tekturna-based products include:

• Rasilez®/Tekturna®
• Rasilez HCT®/Tekturna HCT®, a single-pill combination of Rasilez/Tekturna and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT)
• Valturna®, a single-pill combination of Rasilez/Tekturna and valsartan, available in the US only
• Rasilamlo®/Tekamlo®, a single-pill combination of Rasilez/Tekturna and amlodipine
• Rasitrio®/Amturnide®, a triple combination of Rasilez/Tekturna, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT)

About ALTITUDE

ALTITUDE was a multinational study in 8,606 patients from 36 countries evaluating the potential benefits of Rasilez/Tekturna to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal events in this patient population. ALTITUDE was the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate Rasilez/Tekturna for more than one year in a specific population of patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment. These patients are known to be at high risk of cardiovascular and renal events. In the study, Rasilez/Tekturna was given in addition to optimal cardiovascular treatment including an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

Talk to a Lawyer – Toll Free 1-800-883-9858 or Click Here

Tekturna® Dear Doctor Letter by Novartis

Date: December 20, 2011 9:15:42 AM CST
Subject: Urgent message about Aliskiren Speaker Programs
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Dear Doctor:
Novartis is writing to inform you that as a precautionary measure, in the best interest of patients, we have temporarily ceased promotion of Tekturna and all aliskiren-based products for use in combination with an ACE or ARB. This includes ceasing promotion of Valturna.

We have subsequently suspended all branded and unbranded promotional educational programs supporting Tekturna, Tekturna HCT, Tekamlo, Amturnide and Valturna.

Healthcare professionals should not combine an Aliskiren containing product with an ACE or an ARB. Therefore healthcare professionals should switch patients who are on Tekturna or any aliskiren-based products, in combination with an ACE or an ARB, to an alternative anti-hypertension regimen. This includes switching all patients on Valturna to an alternative therapy. This change should take place as soon as medically feasible, consistent with patient safety and the prescribing physician’s clinical judgment.

These actions are being taken following an interim review of data from the ALTITUDE clinical trial. This was the first study to investigate Tekturna for more than one year in a specific population of patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment. In the study, Tekturna was given in addition to optimal cardiovascular treatment including an ACE inhibitor or ARB.

Novartis was informed that the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) overseeing ALTITUDE had recommended stopping the trial because Tekturna was unlikely to show any benefit, and potential safety concerns had been identified in these high-risk patients. Specifically, Tekturna was associated with an increased risk of non-fatal stroke, renal complications, hyperkalemia, and hypotension.

In view of the unexpected study findings, a decision was taken to terminate the ALTITUDE study. Patient safety is the highest priority for Novartis and we are in dialogue with health authorities worldwide. We are now assessing the results of the ALTITUDE study and the potential implications for aliskiren-based products.

Sincerely,
Marjorie Gatlin
Head, Cardiovascular/Metabolism & Inflammation Medical Unit
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Tekturna® and Valturna® Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have taken Tekturna®, TekturnaHCT®, Valturna®, Tekamlo®, or Amturnide® and suffered a stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, kidney failure, been diagnosed with high potassium or low blood pressure, then call our law firm to discuss a possible lawsuit or claim for monetary damages for the injuries you have suffered. Talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer with over 25 years of personal injury trial experience. Call for a Free and Confidential Case Consultation regarding your injuries and losses.

Contact a Tekturna® and Valturna® Injury Lawyer

A recent study was published about the potential dangers of taking prescription drug Effexor during pregnancy. The study was conducted by the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) and was supported by funding from the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC). The need for this study was determined by the fact that so many pregnant mothers take antidepressants like Effexor during pregnancy and there was not much available information about Effexor at the time.

About Effexor

Effexor (Venlafaxine) was introduced to the market in 1994. It is considered a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor is typically used to treat major anxiety disorders and depression. There is not a lot of information presently available about the side effects and complications of Effexor other than that it is a Pregnancy Category C drug, as noted by the Food and Drug Administration. Class C category drugs have shown adverse effects in clinical trials with animals, but there is presently not enough evidence from human trials. This could mean that there simply have not been any human tests, or that the tests have not shown adequate evidence.

Effexor Birth Defects

• Effexor Coarctation of the Aorta Lawsuit
• Effexor Atrial Septal Defect Lawsuit
• Effexor Ventricular Septal Defect Lawsuit
• Spina Bifida Lawsuit
• Anencephaly Lawsuit
• Cleft Palate Lawsuit
• Effexor Gastroschisis Lawsuit

Congenital Birth Defects

Congenital (present at birth) defects are a major problem in the United States, with 1 in every 33 babies being born with some type of birth defect. These birth defects greatly increase the risk of lifelong disabilities or even premature mortality.

The purpose of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) was to determine if the use of Effexor during pregnancy is associated with any specific birth defect or class of birth defects. The study is an on-going, case-control study of major birth defects. Currently they are collecting data from California, Utah, Texas, Iowa, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York.

The data gathered from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) suggests that there are associations between prenatal use of Effexor and certain birth defects. They declared that some of the observations might be chance findings and they suggest that more studies be conducted on the risk of Effexor and birth defects.

Effexor Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Effexor may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Effexor cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Effexor during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you).

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida is a member of a group of congenital (present at birth) defects known as neural tube defects (NTDs). The neural tube is the embryonic part of the body that over time becomes the infant’s brain and spinal cord, as well as the tissues which encompass them.

Typically, the neural tube develops at the beginning of pregnancy and is closed by the 28th day following conception. Infants with spina bifida suffer from a part of the neural tube failing to close or develop correctly which causes birth defects of the bones in the backbone and spinal cord.

Spina bifida is present in multiple different forms. Treatment for spina bifida typically involves surgery. However, in some cases, even multiple surgeries aren’t enough to repair the damaging effects of spina bifida. Recent research conducted by the National Birth Defects Prevention Study claim that there is an increased risk of babies developing spina bifida when the pregnant mother takes the antidepressant Effexor during all or part of pregnancy.

Spina Bifida Symptoms

Some potential symptoms of spina bifida may include:

• Muscle deterioration, sometimes leading to paralysis
• Bladder and bowel trouble
• Seizures
• Collection of fat
• Dimple or birthmark
• Discoloration of the skin
• Bone problems like uneven hips, curved spine, and/or deformed feet

About Effexor

Effexor (Venlafaxine) was introduced to the market in 1994. It is considered a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor is typically used to treat major anxiety disorders and depression. There is not a lot of information presently available about the side effects and complications of Effexor other than that it is a Pregnancy Category C drug, as noted by the Food and Drug Administration. Class C category drugs have shown adverse effects in clinical trials with animals, but there is presently not enough evidence from human trials. This could mean that there simply have not been any human tests, or that the tests have not shown adequate evidence.

Effexor Spina Bifida Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Effexor may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Effexor cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Effexor during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you).

What is Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS)?

Mitral valve stenosis (MVS), also known simply as mitral stenosis is a rare disorder where the mitral valve of the heart is stenotic (narrowed). The unusual heart valve is unable to open correctly, which blocks the flow of blood leaving into the left ventricle which is the primary blood-pumping chamber in the heart. Some patients with mitral valve stenosis (MVS) will tire easily and/or become short of breath along with other complications.

One main known cause of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is an infection known as rheumatic fever which is related to strep infections. Recent studies claim that there is also an increased risk of birth defects such as mitral valve stenosis (MVS) when certain antidepressants such as Wellbutrin are taken during all or part of pregnancy. Currently Wellbutrin is a Pregnancy Category C drug as denoted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that while there has not been conclusive proof of damage to fetuses in human testing, there has been confirmatory evidence that Wellbutrin can damage the fetuses of pregnant animals.

Mitral Valve Stenosis Symptoms

In many cases, patients with mitral valve stenosis (MVS) may show little or no sign of the disorder. However, some symptoms that are initially mild may suddenly deteriorate. Some potential symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when you lie down
• Heavy coughing, sometimes with blood-tinged sputum
• Swollen feet or ankles
• Rarely, chest discomfort or chest pain
• Heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
• Fatigue, especially during times of increased physical activity
• Frequent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis

In many cases, symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) may appear to similar to those of other heart valve defects. They tend to deteriorate during times of increased heart rate or even in times of an infection. Symptoms of mitral valve stenosis (MVS) also tend to appear similar to those of heart failure. In cases of MVS, pressure builds in the heart and is sent to the lungs which may cause a fluid buildup and shortness of breath.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Wellbutrin may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Wellbutrin cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.

What is Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA)?

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare disorder involving two separate defects. Primarily, the aortic arch has not formed a full tube and is split, or interrupted. The aortic arch is the portion of the aorta (major blood vessel carrying oxygen-laden blood to the body from the heart) which curves over the heart and starts the descent to the lower portion of the body. Next, there exists a hole, known as the ventricular septal defect (VSD) in the muscle wall of the heart that splits the two ventricles or pumping chambers in the heart.

Due to the fact that the aorta is blocked and unable to bring blood from the left ventricle to the lower portion of the body like a normal heart does, it may appear that an infant with this disorder will not be able to survive. Some blood is able to enter the lower portion of the aorta due to a small vessel known as the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) which attaches the lower portion of the aorta with the pulmonary artery.

Typically the pulmonary artery brings oxygen-low blood to the lungs, therefore making it appear that blood entering the lower aorta from such a vessel wouldn’t have enough oxygen, but in this case, the ventricular septal defect (VSD) allows the mixture of oxygen-laden blood from the left ventricle into the right ventricle, which brings blood inside the pulmonary artery.

Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA) Symptoms

Patients suffering from interrupted aortic arch (IAA) may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Trouble feeding
• Bluish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis)
• Getting tired easily
• Weakness
• Fast heartbeat
• Working hard to breathe

Interrupted Aortic Arch and Wellbutrin

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital birth defect. Recent studies have brought forth evidence that suggests that certain heart disorders such as interrupted aortic arch may be caused by the use of particular antidepressants such as Wellbutrin during all or part of pregnancy.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Wellbutrin may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Wellbutrin cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.

What is Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), or aortic stenosis, occurs when a heart’s aortic valve constricts and becomes narrowed and even deformed. AVS is more common among adults, but can appear in the form of a congenital birth defect in infants and young children. The constriction is caused by thickened and fused valve leaflets. This constricting prevents the valve from opening entirely, which hinders blood flow from the heart into the aorta and on to the remainder of the body. AVS also prevents the valves from closing entirely which causes it to leak blood as well as restrict the flow.

Once the aortic valve has been obstructed, the heart must work even harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. The lack of blood flow to the aorta causes a buildup of pressure which can damage the heart muscle. In due course, this extra exertion weakens the heart and confines the amount of blood it is able to pump. Aortic valve stenosis is rare among infants, and one cause of AVS as a congenital birth defect is the use of certain antidepressants such as Wellbutrin taken during all or part of pregnancy.

Symptoms of Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS)

Aortic valve stenosis varies anywhere from mild to severe. Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) symptoms tend to occur when the restriction of the valve is severe and may include:

• Chest pain (angina) or tightness
• Feeling faint or fainting during exertion
• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
• Fatigue, especially during times of increased activity
• Heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
• Heart murmur

The damaging effects of aortic valve stenosis may also eventually result in heart failure. Aortic valve stenosis may not show obvious warning signs immediately, which makes it hard to notice initially. Often times a doctor will discover AVS during a regular physical when the doctor notices a heart murmur. This murmur may occur long before other signs and symptoms develop.

Aortic valve stenosis typically affects adults, but has also been discovered in infants and children. Infants and children with AVS may have symptoms similar to those of adults. If you or your child experiences such signs or symptoms, see a doctor immediately, especially if you or your child has a known heart problem.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Wellbutrin may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Wellbutrin cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.

What is Pulmonary Atresia?

Pulmonary atresia (PA) is a defect in which the valve that lets blood flow from the lower right chamber (right ventricle) of the heart to the lungs (pulmonary valve) has not formed correctly or is closed (atresia). Pulmonary atresia is a rare congenital heart defect, meaning that it is a defect that develops during prenatal growth.

While still in the womb, the baby receives oxygen from the placenta before the lungs begin to function. Normally, blood from the right side of the infant’s heart passes through a hole that allows oxygen-rich blood to flow to the left portion of the heart and throughout the infant’s body. After birth, the hole closes as blood instead flows through the newborn’s lungs to provide it with oxygen. In infants with pulmonary atresia (PA), the closed valve does not allow the infant’s heart to pump blood to the lungs to gain oxygen. The blood must get to the lungs via an alternate route to provide oxygen to the child.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Atresia (PA)

Most infants that have pulmonary atresia exhibit symptoms during the first few hours of life. However, some infants don’t show signs of pulmonary atresia (PA) until a few days after birth. Some possible signs and symptoms of pulmonary atresia (PA) may include:

• Tiring easily while feeding
• Bluish skin tone
• Fast breathing
• Working hard to breathe

Causes of Pulmonary Atresia (PA)

Pulmonary atresia (PA) tends to occur during fetal growth when the infant’s heart is still developing. The use of certain antidepressants such as Wellbutrin during all or part of the pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of a congenital heart defect such as pulmonary atresia (PA).

Wellbutrin Birth Defects Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Wellbutrin may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Wellbutrin cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.

Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is an antidepressant manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Wellbutrin is different from other SSRI antidepressants like Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Lexapro. It has a different chemical make-up which means that it has different side effects and complications than the others.

Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed to pregnant women who are experiencing pregnancy depression. Wellbutrin is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug by the Food and Drug Administration. Category C relates to the amount of risk on the fetus during pregnancy. It means that there has been evidence of damage to the fetus of animals in testing, but that there is currently not adequate evidence in human testing.

Recent studies have come out which claim that drugs such as Wellbutrin increase the risk of certain birth defects when taken during all or part of pregnancy. Some reports have reported a higher-than-expected number of malformations of the infants’ hearts and vessels in Wellbutrin-exposed babies.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects

Some potential birth defects that may be caused by Wellbutrin and pregnancy include:

Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA) – Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart defect that usually happens with ventricular septal defect (VSD), ductus arteriosus, or more rarely aortopulmonary window ortruncus arteriosus. The defect is usually characterized by a malformed aorta. Usually, there is a hole between the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. The majority of cases require open heart surgery soon after the birth of the infant.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare congenital heart defect. Patients suffering from hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) experience the left portion of the heart being severely underdeveloped. Because the left side is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to the body, the right part of the heart must make up for the left’s deficiency. The added stress on the right side of the heart can cause it to fail. It may eventually become weakened. In many cases, corrective surgery or a complete heart transplant is necessary in cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS) – Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), also known simply as aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve in the heart is unusually narrow. This problem region prevents the aortic valve from opening entirely which may restrict blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Once the valve has been obstructed, the heart must work harder to circulate blood to the rest of the body. After prolonged strain on the heart, it may become weakened.

Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) – Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart defect (present at birth) related to the aorta. Infants who suffer from coarctation of the aorta (CoA) must endure a narrowing of the passage through the aorta, the largest blood vessel from the heart. This narrowing of the aorta requires the heart to pump with more force propel blood through the passageway. Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) puts more stress on the heart and may exhaust the heart. In a lot of cases, coarctation of the aorta (CoA) may be treated successfully, but it must be managed carefully.

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) – Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is a rare congenital heart defect (present at birth) where the heart’s mitral valve is narrowed (stenotic). This malformed valve is not able to open suitably which may block blood flowing into the left ventricle, the primary blood-pumping chamber of the heart. Some symptoms of Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) include being tired and short of breath.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Wellbutrin may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Wellbutrin cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you.