What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline meant to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Wellbutrin does not fall into the class of drugs known as SSRIs which include Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro. It has a different chemical makeup. Wellbutrin shares many of the same side effects as the SSRIs as well as some side effects and complications that are unique to Wellbutrin.

Wellbutrin is often prescribed to women who are experiencing pregnancy-related depression. Wellbutrin is currently a Pregnancy Category C drug, as specified by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pregnancy Category C drugs have been proven to cause damage to the developing fetuses of animals in animal testing, but have not shown significant proof in human testing. This may be due to non-confirming results or simply due to a lack of human testing.

Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are disorders that are present at the time of the infant’s birth. They occur during fetal development and sometimes can be a result of drugs or other factors during the pregnancy. Recent studies have shown a correlation between the use of antidepressants during pregnancy like Wellbutrin and congenital heart defects. Some studies say that the risk of developing congenital heart defects is as much as four times as likely if the mother is taking a drug like Wellbutrin during all or part of pregnancy.

Some of the congenital heart defects that have been linked to Wellbutrin may include:

Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS) – Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), also known simply as aortic stenosis occurs if the aortic valve in the heart becomes abnormally narrow.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare birth defect, present at birth (congenital). In patients suffering from hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the left portion of their heart is seriously underdeveloped.

Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) – Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a congenital birth defect affecting the aorta. Infants suffering from coarctation of the aorta (CoA) must deal with a narrowing of the passage through the aorta, largest blood vessel from the heart.

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) – Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is a rare heart condition where the heart’s mitral valve is stenotic (narrowed).

Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA) – Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart disorder that typically occurs along with ventricular septal defect (VSD), ductus arteriosus, or more rarely aortopulmonary window ortruncus arteriosus.

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.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Complications

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare and potentially life threatening congenital heart defect (present at birth). Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) happens when the left side of a baby’s heart is severely underdeveloped.

Upon birth, the ductus arteriosis (hole between left and right sides of the heart) lets blood continue to flow properly. Because of that hole, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is often not diagnosed immediately upon birth. However, the ductus arteriosis typically closes within the first few hours or days of life. Once the hole closes in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the effects on the infant occur rapidly and shock may ensue.

Without surgery, hypoplastic left heart syndrome is typically fatal, usually within the first week or two of the infant’s life.

With treatment, many infants survive, however most with complications later in life. Some of the possible hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) complications may include:

• Tiring easily – many children who have hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and have had repair surgeries may have difficulty with strenuous activity later in life. This may limit their participation in sports or other strenuous outdoor activities. Some patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) may still be able to participate, although under close supervision.
• Heart arrhythmias – A heart arrhythmia may occur in a hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) patient when the heart’s natural pacemaker (the sinus node) develops an abnormal rate. Some arrhythmias are not dangerous, but others may be life-threatening. Some symptoms of a heart arrhythmia in a hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) patient may include: fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
• Edema – Edema is a swelling caused by fluid buildup trapped in the body’s tissues. Edema in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) patients is typically noticed in the hands, feet, arms, legs, and ankles. Typical symptoms of edema include: stretched or shiny skin, swelling of the tissue under the skin, skin that retains a dimple after pressure for several seconds, and increased stomach size.
• Blood clots – Blood clots may appear under a myriad of different circumstances. Typically the clotting of blood near an injury is useful to stop the outflow of blood, but hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) may cause the body to form blood clots in critical locations that may lead to a pulmonary embolism or stroke.
• Developmental problems – many of the developmental problems caused by hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are a result of lethargy or poor feeding during infancy. Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) typically have difficulty feeding which causes them to receive inadequate nutrition, and possibly leading to developmental complications later in life.
• Need for additional heart surgery or transplantation – most procedures done initially to treat patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are temporary in nature. They are meant to keep the infant alive and stable, but may require further surgery later in life. The Fontan procedure, for example gives the heart a 15-30 year life expectancy. Once the heart begins to deteriorate, the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) patient will likely need to be placed on a heart transplant list.

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.

Lately, there has been more information surfacing about antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and birth defects. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant prescribed to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder among others. Wellbutrin is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Increasing numbers of women who take antidepressants such as Wellbutrin during pregnancy are having children with severe birth defects.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine claims that the risk of birth defects from mothers taking antidepressants like Wellbutrin during pregnancy is doubled or even quadrupled. These Wellbutrin birth defects can range from mild to very severe and life-threatening.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects

Some potential Wellbutrin birth defects may include:

Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS) – Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), also known simply as aortic stenosis occurs if the aortic valve in the heart becomes abnormally narrow. This problem area prevents the aortic valve from opening fully which might limit blood flow from the heart to the remainder of the body. Once the valve is obstructed, the heart is forced to work harder to move blood to the rest of the body. After prolonged strain on the heart, it may become weakened.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare birth defect, present at birth (congenital). In patients suffering from hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the left portion of their heart is seriously underdeveloped. Because the left side can’t pump enough blood to the body, the right portion of the heart is forced to make up for the left’s deficiency. This extra stress on the right side of the heart may cause it to fail as well. It will eventually become weakened. In most cases, either corrective surgery or a total heart transplant is required in cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) – Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a congenital birth defect affecting the aorta. Infants suffering from coarctation of the aorta (CoA) must deal with a narrowing of the passage through the aorta, largest blood vessel from the heart. The narrowing of the aorta forces the heart to pump with more force to get blood through the passageway. Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) puts more strain on the heart and can potentially exhaust the heart. In many cases, coarctation of the aorta (CoA) can be treated successfully, but it must be managed carefully.

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) – Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is a rare heart condition where the heart’s mitral valve is stenotic (narrowed). This misshapen valve is unable to open correctly which blocks blood flowing into the left ventricle, the primary pumping chamber of the heart. Some symptoms of Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) include being tired and short of breath.

Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA) – Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart disorder that typically occurs along with ventricular septal defect (VSD), ductus arteriosus, or more rarely aortopulmonary window ortruncus arteriosus. The disorder is typically characterized by an underdeveloped aorta. Typically there exists a gap between the descending and ascending thoracic aorta. In most cases, open heart surgery is required shortly after birth.

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 is an antidepressant drug prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and even in some cases to quit smoking. Wellbutrin is manufactured by drug giant GlaxoSmithKline.

If taken during pregnancy, Wellbutrin may result in severe birth defects in those infants. Women who were pregnant and took Wellbutrin may be at a higher risk of having children with congenital heart defects. According to a study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, unborn infants who were exposed to Wellbutrin early on in pregnancy may be more than twice as likely to be at risk of certain heart defects. Most of these congenital birth defects require surgery early in life to be corrected.

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2006 which claims that women who take certain antidepressants during pregnancy have as much as a six-fold chance of having babies born with congenital birth defects such as persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which is a possibly fatal defect of the lungs. Also, another study by The New England Journal of Medicine declared that women who take antidepressants during pregnancy may be more than twice as likely to bear infants with other intestinal and skull defects.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects

Some of the potential birth defects that may be caused by prenatal Wellbutrin use may include:

• Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA) – Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart disorder that typically occurs along with ventricular septal defect (VSD), ductus arteriosus, or more rarely aortopulmonary window ortruncus arteriosus.




• Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) – Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a congenital birth defect affecting the aorta. Infants suffering from coarctation of the aorta (CoA) must deal with a narrowing of the passage through the aorta, largest blood vessel from the heart.




• Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) – Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is a rare heart condition where the heart’s mitral valve is stenotic (narrowed).




• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare birth defect, present at birth (congenital). In patients suffering from hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the left portion of their heart is seriously underdeveloped.




• Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS) – Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), also known simply as aortic stenosis occurs if the aortic valve in the heart becomes abnormally narrow.

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 Coarctation of the Aorta?

Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is the narrowing of the aorta, the larger blood vessel that branches off from the heart and brings oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. If coarctation of the aorta occurs, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrow section of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta may occur anywhere along the aorta, but the coarctation is usually located near a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus.

Typically, coarctation of the aorta is present at birth. Coarctation of the aorta can vary from mild to very severe, and is oftentimes not detected until adulthood. There are usually other heart defects present along with coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta requires careful attention and follow-up from infancy through adulthood.

Symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)

The signs and symptoms of coarctation of the aorta depend on the severity. Children with severe aortic narrowing will often exhibit signs and symptoms earlier in life, while mild cases may not be recognized until later in adulthood.

Babies with severe coarctation of the aorta usually begin having signs and symptoms shortly after birth. These include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale skin
• Irritability
• Heavy sweating

If untreated, aortic coarctation in babies may lead to heart failure and death.

Causes of Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) typically occurs when the pulmonary valve does not grow correctly during fetal development. Other heart abnormalities are sometimes present at birth (congenital) in infants who have coarctation of the aorta. The use of SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro during all or part of the pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a congenital heart such as coartation of the aorta (CoA).

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.

The Willis Law Firm is currently representing families and individuals who have been affected by birth defects which may have been caused by the antidepressant Wellbutrin. Increasing amounts of evidence has surfaced claiming that the antidepressant meant to treat depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and to quit smoking, may cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Currently no nationwide class action Wellbutrin lawsuit has been filed, but the Willis Law Firm based in Houston, Texas is accepting Wellbutrin Birth Defects cases nationwide. Wellbutrin (generic: bupropion) is an antidepressant medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Studies published by both The New England Journal of Medicine and The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology have claimed that there is a significant increase in the risk of children with various severe birth defects when Wellbutrin is taken by pregnant mothers.

Wellbutrin is not classified as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) like Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro. However, it does show many of the same side effects and complications including those which claim that it can potentially lead to birth defects when taken during all or part of pregnancy.

Currently, Wellbutrin is a Pregnancy Category C drug, meaning that while the FDA has not directly declared that it causes damage to human fetuses, it has shown detrimental effects to animal fetuses in animal testing. Pregnancy Category C is the most severe rating the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will give to a drug before requiring it not to be prescribed to expecting mothers unless special circumstances require it.

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 Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even in some cases to help individuals quit smoking. Wellbutrin is slightly different than its SSRI counterparts including Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro. This means that while it shares many of the same characteristics it also has its different side effects and complications.

Wellbutrin While Pregnant

Wellbutrin, along with the other SSRI antidepressants, is a Pregnancy Category C drug as denoted by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Pregnancy Category C drugs are those that have been tested on pregnant animals and have shown damage to the unborn fetuses. Pregnancy Category C drugs do not carry adequate evidence of damage to human fetuses. This can be for two main reasons. The first is that the drugs have not been extensively tested on human subjects, and the second is that they may not have shown the same damaging results.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects

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

• Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) – Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a congenital birth defect affecting the aorta. Infants suffering from coarctation of the aorta (CoA) must deal with a narrowing of the passage through the aorta, largest blood vessel from the heart.




• Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS) – Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), also known simply as aortic stenosis occurs if the aortic valve in the heart becomes abnormally narrow.




• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare birth defect, present at birth (congenital). In patients suffering from hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the left portion of their heart is seriously underdeveloped.




• Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) – Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is a rare heart condition where the heart’s mitral valve is stenotic (narrowed).




• Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA) – Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart disorder that typically occurs along with ventricular septal defect (VSD), ductus arteriosus, or more rarely aortopulmonary window ortruncus arteriosus.

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.

Children born with cardiac and other congenital birth defects have potentially been linked to use of the SSRI class of antidepressant drugs, including Lexapro (Generic: escitalopram). Research suggests serious Lexapro side effects, including the increased risk of congenital heart defects and other congenital birth defects. This link between SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro (escitalopram) and congenital heart defects has many professional concerned that women should not be prescribed the medication Lexapro (escitalopram) or other SSRIs during pregnancy. In addition to serious congenital Heart Birth Defects, SSRIs like Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil have also been linked to increased risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN).

Antidepressant Drugs Include:

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro (Generic: escitalopram) is an antidepressant drug of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It has FDA approval to treat major depression, and is prescribed off-label for a number of anxiety conditions. Citalopram, (Brand name: Celexa), originally created in 1989 by the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck was the forerunner of Lexapro. The patent for Celexa expired in 2003, allowing other companies to legally produce generic versions. Lundbeck then released an updated formulation called escitalopram (Brand name: Lexapro), which is the S-enantiomer of the racemic citalopram, and acquired a new patent for it. In the United States, Forest Labs currently manufactures and markets the drug.

Lexapro (escitalopram) is approved to treat the symptoms of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life and lasts for 6 months or longer). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Lexapro (escitalopram) and other SSRIs like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft can also be used to treat hot flashes. Escitalopram is sold under the brand-name Lexapro (U.S. and Canada, Forest Laboratories, Inc.). Lexapro (escitalopram) is available in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets, as well as an oral solution.

Lexapro Birth Defects

Lexapro (escitalopram) and other SSRI antidepressants has been linked to increased risk of serious birth defects including Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) and congenital heart defects. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that newborns whose mothers took SSRI antidepressants such as Lexapro during pregnancy were six times more likely to be born with the cario-pulmonary birth defect PPHN than those whose mothers did not take prescribed antidepressants – PPHN rose as high as 12 cases per 1,000 births.

Another study published in Pediatrics (February, 2004) found that pregnant women who used SSRIs had an increased risk of giving birth to babies with abnormal heart rhythms, unusual sleeping patterns, disrupted neurological development and problems with alertness.

A study summarized on Web MD reported that newborns exposed to SSRI antidepressants such as Lexapro by their pregnant mothers late in pregnancy were twice as likely to risk admission to special-care nurseries and twice as likely to suffer respiratory complications serious enough to require hospital ventilation procedures.

In addition to PPHN, SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft have been linked to severe congenital heart defects, including: atrial septal defects (ASD – hole in the heart), ventricular septal defects (VSD – hole in the heart), tetrology of fallot (ToF), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), transposition of the great arteries (TGA or TOGA), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), coarctation of the aorta (CoA), double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and Shone’s Complex. These injuries range from minor heart murmurs not requiring surgery, all the way to the most severe congenital heart defects, requiring multiple surgeries or potentially a complete heart transplant in order to save the life of the child.

Children born with cardiac and other congenital birth defects have potentially been linked to use of the SSRI class of antidepressant drugs, including Lexapro (Generic: escitalopram). Research suggests serious Lexapro side effects, including the increased risk of congenital heart defects and other congenital birth defects. This link between SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro (escitalopram) and congenital heart defects has many professional concerned that women should not be prescribed the medication Lexapro (escitalopram) or other SSRIs during pregnancy. In addition to serious congenital Heart Birth Defects, SSRIs like Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil have also been linked to increased risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN).

Congenital Heart Defects from Antidepressant SSRI Drugs:

• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
• Pulmonary Atresia
• Tricuspic Atresia
• Transposition of the Great Vessels
• Transposition of the Great Arteries
• Atrial Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
• Ventricular Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Double Outlet Right Ventricle
• Truncus Arteriosus
• Double Inlet Left Ventricle
• Double Aortic Arch
• Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus
• Tetralogy of Fallot

SSRI Antidepressant Congenital Birth Defects:

• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
• Omphalcele – Abdominal Wall Malformation
• Gastrochesis – Abdominal Wall Malformation
• Craniosynostosis – Cranio-facial Malformation
• Clubfoot – Limb Malformation
• Hypospadias

Speak to a Lexapro Birth Defect Lawyer

If you took Lexapro during pregnancy and your child was born with a severe birth defect, we encourage you to contact a Lexapro litigation attorney at our law firm immediately. It may be too late to recover from the debilitating effects of Lexapro, but an experienced products liability attorney at the Willis Law Firm can assist you in a legal action against the makers of Lexapro. You are not alone. Join other birth defect victims and their families in speaking up and fighting for your legal rights.

Lexapro Birth Defect Lawsuit

Please fill out our free online legal evaluation form and we will contact you within 24 hours. Please keep in mind that certain states have statutes of limitation that limit the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or seek legal action. Contact our law firm immediately so that we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family.

A recent report about the high cardiovascular risk associated with the diabetes drug Avandia has caused a steep decline in its sales and resulted in a large increase in the sales of competing diabetes drug Actos. Actos has been so successful lately because it has been perceived as the ‘safer’ of the two options. Both Actos and Avandia are part of the family of drugs known as thiazolidinediones which are used to decrease insulin resistance of body tissues and alter the body’s production of cholesterol.

The study which plagued Avandia originally stated that they didn’t see the same heart failure risks associated with Actos, but new information has come to light regarding Actos and heart failure. A new study published examined the records of over 28,000 patients who took both drugs and determined that there may in fact be a higher risk of heart failure with the use of Actos. Some of the results of the study are as follows:

• 96 patients on Avandia suffered a heart attack, compared with 121 on Actos;
• 265 on Avandia suffered heart failure, compared with 243 on Actos;
• 24 on Avandia suffered both heart attack and heart failure, compared with 18 on Actos;
• 217 on Avandia and 217 on Actos died.

They reported in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes that, when they accounted for potential confounding effects, including age, gender and prior heart disease, about 4% of each group had a heart attack, heart failure or died. Specifically: “What distinguishes this latest study from other claims-based analyses is its analysis of death records, which include out-of-hospital deaths,” Wertz said in a statement. The study also followed patients for a longer period of time than earlier studies and the patients were younger, she added. Unlike the earlier studies, however, it did not include strokes in the data, which may account for part of the difference in outcomes.

This study about Actos’ risk of heart failure caused the diabetes drug to also be required to carry a ‘black box’ warning about heart failure. A black box warning is the strongest provision that the FDA enacts short of removing a drug from the market. Recent studies have also been published warning of an increased risk of bladder cancer associated with the use of Actos.

Actos Heart Failure Lawsuit

If you or a family member took Takeda Pharmaceutical’s drug Actos (pioglitazone) and you have developed heart failure, we encourage you to contact a pharmaceutical lawyer at our firm immediately. An experienced pharmaceutical products liability lawyer at the Willis Law Firm can assist you in legal action in a potential Actos heart failure lawsuit against the makers of the drug.

Please fill out our online legal evaluation form to the right or call us and we will contact you within 4-12 hours for a free confidential case review. Contact our law firm immediately so that we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family.

According to a clinical study in France, there is an increased risk of bladder cancer associated with Takeda’s drug Actos (pioglitazone). Surveying 1.5 million diabetic patients, this study also found that the risk of bladder cancer sharply increased with usage of over 12 months as well as with increased dosage. Prior to the study conducted in France, bladder cancer was similarly observed in male rats receiving clinical equivalent doses of (Actos) pioglitazone.

As a consequence of these findings, Takeda’s Actos will be completely removed from the pharmaceutical market in France. Similarly, the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices has already advised doctors to cease in prescribing Actos to their diabetic patients. While Actos is still currently available in the United States, the FDA has been conducting rigorous safety reviews of the drug and further exploring its alarming and devastating link to bladder cancer.

Additionally, the United States FDA has reacted to the findings of the Actos Study in France by amending the warnings and precautions section of all Actos drug labels to reflect it’s dangerous and previously unreported correlation to bladder cancer. As of 8-4-2011, the FDA announced that their approval of the inclusion that the use of pioglitazone for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Because Takeda first introduced Actos into the market in the 1990’s, this means that many diabetes patients have been using this drug for decades without knowledge of its devastating risk of leading to bladder cancer.

In response to the French data, the FDA declared that healthcare professionals should not prescribe Actos (pioglitazone) to patients with active bladder cancer. In addition, Actos should be used with caution in patients with a prior history of bladder cancer because the benefits of blood sugar control must be carefully weighed against the risks for bladder cancer recurrence.

The hugely popular Actos has ranked among the top ten selling prescription medicines in the United States. In 2010 Actos had sales of over $3.4 billion, and accounted for 27% of Takeda Pharmaceuticals revenue. However, after the alarming results of the recent study in France, the usage of Actos for Diabetes must be carefully weighed against its link to bladder cancer. In the words of Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a Yale School of Medicine professor, “The consensus already is that (Actos) should only be considered … after patients have exhausted all other options.”

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit

If you or one of your family members took Takeda Pharmaceutical’s drug Actos (pioglitazone) and have developed bladder cancer, we encourage you to contact a pharmaceutical lawyer at our firm immediately. An experienced pharmaceutical products liability lawyer at our law firm can inform and assist you regarding legal action in a potential Actos bladder cancer lawsuit against the makers of the drug.

Please fill out our online legal evaluation form to the right or call 1-800-883-9858 and we will contact you within 4-12 hours for a free confidential case review. Contact our law firm immediately so that we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family.