Defective drug litigation exists because drugs are products, and manufacturers producing products available to the public are held responsible for the injuries those products cause. Prescription drugs can be defective in several ways, including: incorrect medication dosages during product manufacturing, quality control issues, undisclosed dangerous side effects and contamination. Suffering a dangerous side effect from a defective drug can severely alter your quality of life, or even be fatal.

Zoloft (Birth Defects)	Effexor (Birth Defects)	Lexapro (Birth Defects)	Paxil (Birth Defects)
Actos (Bladder Cancer)	Transvaginal Mesh (Pelvic Organ Prolapse)	Duragesic Patch (Fentanyl Overdose)	Topamax (Birth Defects)
Wellbutrin (Birth Defects)	Pradaxa (Bleeding and Death)	Depakote (Spina Bifida Birth Defects)	Celexa (Birth Defects)

Drugs Under Investigation

Accutane – Crohn’s Disease (CD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Lawsuits If you took Accutane and developed Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UD), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we encourage you to contact an Accutane litigation attorney at our law firm immediately.

Actos – Bladder Cancer Lawsuits A FDA safety announcement was released on June 15, 2011 concerning an increased risk of bladder cancer to patients who have been taking Actos to treat their diabetes. If you have taken the diabetes drug Actos for over a year you may be at risk for cancer.

Antidepressant (SSRI) – Birth Defects, Heart Defects, Limb Malformations and PPHN Lawsuits Antidepressant drugs classified as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) have been linked to increased risk of congenital birth defects, including: heart, lung, cranio-facial, limb (hand, arm, foot, leg) and abdominal wall malformations.

Celexa – Birth Defects, Heart Defects, Cranio-facial Defects, Limb Malformations and PPHN Lawsuits There is a possible link in children born with cardiac and other congenital birth defects to antidepressant drugs like Celexa (citalopram). Celexa side effects may include congenital heart defects and other congenital birth defects.

Darvon – Heart Toxicity, Arythmia Issues and Death Lawsuits Patients taking Darvon, Darvocet or generic Propoxyphene to control pain should be aware of the potential increased risk of severe heart toxicity and arythmia issues, which in certain cases is serious enough to result in death.

Depakote – Birth Defects, Skeletal defects, Malformations, and Spina Bifida Lawsuits Use of Depakote to treat bipolar disorder, migraines, epilepsy and chronic pain associated with nervous system diseases during pregnancy can cause congenital malformations including neural tube defects and other deformities.

Dilantin – Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Lawsuits Epileptic patients taking Dilantin to control seizures need to be aware of potential increased risk of serious skin side effect reactions including Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) from phenytoin therapy.

Diflucan – Birth Defects, Cleft Palate, Joint Deformity and Congenital Heart Disease Lawsuits The FDA has released a warning that Diflucan could possibly be causing birth defects when the medication is taken repeatedly by pregnant mothers in their first trimester. Diflucan is now category D with human data suggesting that it may cause birth defects.

Duragesic Patch – Fentanyl Overdose and Death Lawsuits Duragesic patches are being recalled because of a manufacturing defect. The gel reservoir will leak, exposing patients directly to the fentanyl gel. Exposure to fentanyl gel may lead to respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal.

Effexor – Heart Defects, Lung Defects, and Birth Defect Lawsuits Children born with cardiac and other serious congenital birth defects have potentially been linked to use of the anti-depressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine). Research suggests an increased risk of congenital heart defects and other congenital birth defects.

Fen Phen – Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Lawsuits PPH, PAH, and PH have been linked to the use of diet drugs and nutritional supplements including: Fen Phen, Redux, Pondimin, ephedra, ma huang, Metabolife, Herbalife, Dexatrim and St. John’s Wort extract.

Fosamax – Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), Broken Leg, Broken Femur, and Fractured Femur Lawsuits Fosamax is an osteoporosis drug prescribed to treat bone loss. Severe side effects include a rare decay of the jawbone known as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or dead jaw. Recently, a medical study linked Fosamax to a type of bone fracture in the femur.

Lexapro – Birth Defects, Heart Defects, Double Outlet Right Ventricle, DORV, HLHS, and PPHN Lawsuits Lexapro is an antidepressant drug of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class that has been linked to increased risk of serious birth defects including primary pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and congenital heart defects.

MRI Dyes – NSF, NFD, Skin Problems, Joint Problems, Kidney Failure, and Renal Failure Lawsuits Gadolinium-based contrast dyes used to enhance MRI or MRA images pose serious health risks to patients with kidney problems. Risks include: NSF, NFD, skin problems, skin tightening, severe joint problems, kidney failure, and renal failure.

Multaq – Liver Damage, Liver Toxicity, Acute Liver Failure, and Liver Failure Lawsuits Sanofi will send a letter to doctors telling them that patients taking the Multaq heart treatment have suffered liver failure. Liver function test results and injuries reported in patients treated with Multaq include at least two cases of acute liver failure.

Paxil – Birth Defects, Heart Defects, PPHN, Brain Defects, and Spina Bifida Lawsuits Paxil can cause an increased risk of congenital heart defects in infants due to exposure in the womb. Paxil birth defects include: heart defects, PPHN, omphalocele, hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, clubfoot, anencephely, and neural tube defects.

Pradaxa – Cerebral Hemorrhaging, Internal Bleeding and Death Lawsuits Patients who took the new anti-clotting drug Pradaxa, made by Boehringer Ingelheim, have a 33% higher risk of heart attack or severe symptoms of heart disease than do patients taking Warfarin.

Prozac – Birth Defects, Heart Defects, Cranio-facial Defects, Limb Malformations and PPHN Lawsuits Prozac is an SSRI that has been linked to increased risk of congenital heart defects, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), cranio-facial malformations, limb malformations, abdominal wall malformations, and other serious birth defects.

Reglan – Twitching, Involuntary Movements, Shaking, and Tardive Dyskinesia Lawsuits Tardive dyskinesia lawsuits are being filed against the makers of Reglan because recent published analyses suggest that Reglan, also known as metoclopramide, is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders with Parkinson-like tremors.

Topamax – Birth Defects, Spina Bifida, Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Lawsuits The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it will strengthen warnings on Topamax because women taking the epilepsy medication while pregnant increases the risk of oral cleft birth defects, like cleft palate and cleft lip, by as much as 16 times.

Trasylol – Heart Attack, Renal Failure, Stroke, Kidney Damage, Kidney Failure, and Death Lawsuits Trasylol (aprotinin), Bayer’s injectable drug used to prevent excessive blood loss during heart surgery, has nearly double the risk of death, renal failure, or stroke and a more than 50% increased risk of heart attack compared with controls in a NEJM study.

Tysabri – Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) and Death Lawsuits Tysabri was prescribed for patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, but has been causing an increasing number of patients to develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a rare and often fatal infection of the brain.

Wellbutrin – Birth Defects, Heart Defects, Coarctation of the Aorta, and PPHN Lawsuits Wellbutrin, an aminoketone class antidepressant, has caused left outflow tract defects, such as coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Left outflow heart defects affect the flow of blood from the heart’s left chambers to the rest of the body.

Yaz Birth Control Pill – Death, Stroke and Heart Attack Lawsuits The Yaz birth control pill could be putting millions of young women at risk of serious side effects, including stroke, heart attack and death. Bayer USA has already been warned by the FDA for running TV commercials that minimize the potential health risks.

Zoloft – Birth Defects, Heart Defects, Cranio-facial Defects, Limb Malformations and PPHN Lawsuits Zoloft is an antidepressant SSRI categorized by the FDA as a “Category C” drug. There is a strong link between SSRI antidepressants and congenital birth defects, including: heart, lung, cranio-facial, abdominal wall, and limb (arm, hand, leg, foot) malformations.

See also: Medical Device Lawsuits, Herbal Lawsuits or
Previously Investigated Products

Defective Drugs

If you have taken a defective drug and suffered severe side effects from its use, then our law firm encourages you to fill out our contact form and speak to a products liability lawyer. The corporate giants who manufacture and distribute prescription drugs have teams of lawyers ready to defend each of their products – products that earn those companies billions of dollars annually. Attorney David Willis is a board certified personal injury trial lawyer. He specializes in the prosecution of serious injury cases. Our law firm has represented thousands of clients for injury drug litigation and we will fight the pharmaceutical manufacturers and the negligent corporate giants.

Our legal staff and medical experts evaluate cases involving prescription drugs which caused serious injury or death. Please feel free to contact our law firm if you or a loved one has suffered severe side effects from a defective drug. We are here to help, speak with a lawyer now and contact us immediately. Fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified attorney. Consult an attorney privately to learn your legal rights. All information is held in the strictest of confidence.

Most Recent Drug News

• Pradaxa Vs Warfarin: Risks and Benefits
• Zimmer Hip Implant Metallosis
• Pradaxa Issues: Bleeding in the Brain
• Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Internal Bleeding
• Nexium Side Effects
• Zoloft Pregnancy Lawsuit
• Zoloft FDA Alert
• Nexium Hip Fractures Lawsuit
• Nexium Bone Loss
• Zoloft Heart Defect Lawsuit

Speak to a Lawyer

Each year, thousands of people die from or are seriously injured by prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and medical devices they believe to be safe. If you or a loved one have taken a defective drug, experienced problems with a defective medical device or used a defective product, then contact our law firm immediately. Consult an attorney privately to learn your legal rights. All information is held in the strictest of confidence.

Contact a Drug Lawsuit Lawyer & Attorney

For a free and confidential consultation, fill out our online case evaluation form or call us toll free at: 1-800-883-9858.

Legal help: Contact an Attorney

Pradaxa was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in the fall of 2010 for the treatment of atrial fibrillation from a cause other than a heart valve issue. As a blood-thinner, Pradaxa reduces the ability of blood to clot, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and other related issues, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Patients who suffer from AFib are about five times more likely to suffer from stroke. Warfarin, an older type of anticoagulant treatment, was the medication primarily used for similar treatments before Pradaxa was released. When Pradaxa was first approved by the FDA, many patients quickly switched from warfarin. It is important to note that there are several key differences between Pradaxa and Warfarin which will be outlined in detail below:

Pradaxa Vs Warfarin: A Closer Look

Pradaxa is a DTI (direct thrombin inhibitor) and acts directly on thrombin, the bloods central clotting agent. Because of this, there is currently no antidote to its effects. Pradaxa may take up to 24 hours for the effects to wear off, even in the event of a serious bleeding incident.
Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist, which means that it interferes with the levels of Vitamin K in the body. Vitamin K produces proteins that encourage clotting. This means that in the event of a major bleeding incident, ingesting large amounts of Vitamin K could potentially offset the anti-clotting effects of the drug.

Pradaxa cannot be counteracted with a prothrombin complex concentrate. In fact, there is no way to rapidly reverse Pradaxa’s effects.
Warfarin effects can be rapidly reversed using a prothrombin complex concentrate, as well as through intravenous Vitamin K.

Pradaxa was approved by the FDA for the treatment of AFib not from heart valve problem in 2010, only 2 years ago.
Warfarin has been prescribed by doctors for the prevention of stroke since 1954, almost 50 years. Throughout this time period it has also been studied extensively.

Pradaxa does not require regular blood monitoring and testing.
Patients taking Warfarin require regular blood monitoring in order to measure the International Normalized Ratio, which determines how long it would take your blood to form a clot.

Pradaxa is currently the subject of an FDA investigation regarding a large number of bleeding incidents that resulted in death.
Warfarin is not currently under FDA safety investigation.

File a Pradaxa Lawsuit: Speak with an Attorney

If you have suffered from bleeding or other serious side effects resulting from treatment with Pradaxa, you may want to consider pursuing a lawsuit. Call the Willis Firm today and we will provide you with a completely free and personalized consultation in order to discuss your legal options regarding this potentially harmful drug. You may be eligible for sizeable compensation for all of the suffering you have incurred as a result of your Pradaxa injuries. Don’t delay; contact us today.

Contact a Drug Lawsuit Lawyer & Attorney

For a free and confidential consultation, fill out our online case evaluation form or call us toll free at: 1-800-883-9858.

Legal help: Contact an Attorney

Metal-on-Metal hip implants, including several hip implants manufactured by Zimmer Orthopedics, have been linked to a type of metal poisoning called metallosis. Metallosis is defined as the deposition and build-up of metal in the body, and typically occurs when metal pieces of medical devices, like Zimmer hip implants, rub against one another and small particles break off. The buildup of metal pieces in the tissue surrounding the implant can result in several uncomfortable symptoms, including inflammation of the tissues.

Zimmer Metallosis Symptoms and Complications

In the event of Zimmer hip implant metallosis, the patient will typically experience one or a combination of these symptoms.

Difficulty with walking and/or moving from a standing to seated position

Pain surrounding the replaced hip

Skin discoloration which may indicate damage has occurred to surrounding tissue

In the event of these symptoms of Zimmer hip implant metallosis, a patient should immediately seek medical attention because oftentimes they signal that other related medical issues may also be developing. Some of these complications include:

Bone fracture near hip

Damage has occurred to the nerves or tissues near the implant

The implant has loosened or even possibly become dislocated

The treatment for the majority of these complications requires a Zimmer hip implant revision surgery in order to correct. Although multiple surgeries can become very expensive, they are necessary in order to give the patient the best chance to regain function of the hip and leg.

Zimmer Hip Implant Lawsuit

Some patients respond to complications with their Zimmer hip implant and metallosis by filing a Zimmer hip implant lawsuit. This type of lawsuit is filed on the basis that the medical device that the patient was treated with was inadequately designed or tested and resulted in harm to the patient.  Defective hip implants often require a revision surgery much sooner than the typical timeframe of hip replacement predicts. Lawsuits have been filed against several different companies that manufacture hip implants including Wright Medical Technology, DePuy Orthopedics, and Biomet Orthopedics.

File a Zimmer Metallosis Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

If you or a loved one was treated with a Zimmer hip implant and experienced metallosis and/or other complications with your implant, you may be eligible for financial compensation through a lawsuit. Call the Willis Law Firm today in order to have your potential claim evaluated free of charge and free of obligation. We are currently accepting hip implant cases nationwide, and all of these cases are taken on a contingency fee basis; you don’t pay unless we recover for you. Call us today.

An elderly man in Utah recently suffered a massive brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) after what seemed to be a routine fall. What made this situation unique was that the man was taking the prescription anti-clotting drug Pradaxa. The man eventually died as a result of the hemorrhage and many believe that Pradaxa is to blame. In comparison with older blood-thinner medications, like warfarin, Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor which works directly on the bloods ability to clot. As a result, there is no way to reverse its effects when serious bleeding, like a cerebral hemorrhage occurs. In the case of the Utah man, all efforts to stop the bleeding in the brain were ineffective. Doctors tried both intravenous fluids as well as recombinant factor VIIa (a protein treatment).

Pradaxa and Bleeding in the Brain

Pradaxa is currently prescribed in the United States to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation from causes other than a heart valve problem. All anti-clotting drugs carry an increased risk of bleeding, which means that even minor trauma can result in a serious bleeding incident like bleeding in the brain. Other common terms for bleeding in the brain include: cerebral hemorrhaging, intracranial hemorrhaging, and intra cerebral hemorrhaging. Other factors that increase the risks of bleeding in the brain include elevated blood pressure, aneurysm, and liver diseases.

Pradaxa Bleeding in the Brain Symptoms

The following symptoms suggest that Pradaxa bleeding in the brain is taking place: nausea, severe headaches that come on suddenly, vision changes, difficulty with speech, loss of balance/coordination, and loss of consciousness. Any symptoms of a brain hemorrhage are particularly urgent in patients who are taking Pradaxa. This is because Pradaxa increases all risks associated with bleeding, and when a patient is taking Pradaxa treating the bleeding is much more difficult. Although there are ways to rapidly reverse the effects of other anti-clotting drugs, this is not the case for Pradaxa.

Experienced Pradaxa Bleeding in the Brain? File a Lawsuit

Although some patients who suffer from bleeding in the brain fully recover, others may experience loss of brain function, stroke, and even death. If you or a loved one experienced cerebral hemorrhaging while taking Pradaxa, you may be entitled to substantial monetary compensation. Call the Willis Law Firm in order to discuss your potential claim and have it evaluated free of charge or further obligation. Although primarily based in Houston, our firm is currently reviewing Pradaxa cases nationwide.

Patients who take the anti-clotting drug Pradaxa may be at an increased risk of several types of serious internal bleeding. Although all anti-clotting drugs carry with them an increased risk of serious bleeding, Pradaxa carries with it additional risk due to the lack of a quick antidote to the anticoagulant effect that it has. Gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhaging (bleeding on the brain), as well as acute coronary syndrome (heart attacks due to blood clots) have all been reported by patients taking Pradaxa. In fact, around 300 Pradaxa related deaths have been reported in the time since the medication was FDA approved. Knowing about other compounding risk factors as well as being informed of the early signs of internal bleeding can help to potentially reduce associated Pradaxa risks.

Types of Patients with Increased Risks of Pradaxa Internal Bleeding

The following groups of people may be at an increased risk of serious bleeding, and should seriously consult with their doctor before taking a direct thrombin inhibitor like Pradaxa:

• Patients who are already taking another prescription anti-clotting drug like warfarin
• Patients with ongoing use of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or naproxen)
• Patients who are 75 and older
• Patients with a prior history of bleeding problems
• Patients with kidney disease
• Patients with ulcers
• Patients who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Patients who are planning to undergo any type of surgery, including dental surgery
• Patients who are allergic to dabigatran, or any of the ingredients in the Pradaxa capsules

Signs and Symptoms of Internal Bleeding

Anti-clotting medications can result in a variety of side effects, some of which are very serious and even life threatening. Being aware of these side effects and symptoms can help to reduce the risks of internal bleeding while taking these medications. Some of the less severe side effects are stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn; however, if any of these persist or worsen over time, a doctor should be notified. The following symptoms are associated with internal bleeding, and a doctor should be notified immediately if any of the following manifest: discolored urine or stools, bleeding that occurs and lasts longer than usual (especially gum bleeding, menstrual bleeding, and nosebleeds), headache/dizziness, and swelling/joint pain.

File an Internal Bleeding Lawsuit: Speak to a Lawyer

Although primarily located in Houston, the Willis Law Firm is currently reviewing Pradaxa Internal Bleeding cases nationwide. If your or a loved one has experienced internal bleeding or other medical complications while taking Pradaxa, you may be eligible for financial compensation through filing a lawsuit. Contact our firm today for your initial case review free of charge or obligation. Pradaxa clients will not be required to pay any legal or attorney fees unless a recovery is obtained. Let us help you protect the interests of you and your family.

Prescription Nexium, commonly known as ‘the purple pill’ is one of the most popular antacids on the market, manufactured by AstraZeneca. Nexium is commonly used to treat heartburn and ulcers. It is one of the most successful proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the market, a class of drugs which sold more than $13.5 billion in 2009.

Recent information revealed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that prescription Nexium causes bone loss and bone fractures. The revelation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also required the entire class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) including Nexium to carry additional warnings about bone fractures on their warning labels.

Nexium Side Effects

Some common Nexium side effects may include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Gas
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

More severe Nexium side effects which may require medical attention include:

• Severe allergic reactions including rashes; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face lips or tongue; unusual hoarseness
• Bone pain
• Chest pain
• Dark urine
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever, chills or sore throat
• Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• Severe diarrhea
• Severe stomach pain or cramps
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin

Nexium Side Effect – Bone Fractures

A very severe Nexium side effect or complication which was not originally made known to consumers by AstraZeneca is the potential for bone loss or bone fractures among Nexium patients. Research studies conducted by multiple groups have found that Nexium can prevent the bones’ absorption of calcium, leading to weak bones and potentially bone fractures.

Bone fractures caused by Nexium can be very painful and debilitating. The most common bone fractures reported by Nexium patients include hip fractures, pelvic fractures, spinal fractures, and wrist fractures. A major problem is that until now, many Nexium patients had or still have no idea that Nexium may be the cause of their bone fractures.

Nexium Lawsuit – Speak to an Attorney

Have you or a loved one suffered from bone fractures, bone loss, bone density loss, or osteoporosis which you think may be attributed to taking AstraZeneca’s Nexium? If so, you may be entitled to compensation from the makers of Nexium. Our Nexium lawyers are currently accepting Nexium lawsuits for individuals suffering from bone fractures, bone loss, and osteoporosis caused by prescription Nexium. Please call today to see if you have grounds for a Nexium lawsuit

A couple in New Orleans Louisiana recently filed a lawsuit against the makers of Zoloft alleging that the popular antidepressant causes birth defects if taken while pregnant. The Zoloft Pregnancy lawsuit was filed on January 27, 2012 after their child was born with congenital birth defects. The mother of the child was prescribed Zoloft during her pregnancy, and she believes that taking this drug resulted in her child’s birth defects. The lawsuit accuses the manufacturer of Zoloft, Pfizer, of not warning consumers of these potential risks as well as concealing and suppressing related dangers. In this lawsuit, the family is seeking financial damages due to the related medical expenses, as well as related emotional and mental distress, court costs, and loss of consortium. Other lawsuits against Zoloft as well as several other antidepressants have been filed around the country.

Zoloft Pregnancy Study

In June of 2007, the Los Angeles Times published an article regarding an increased risk of birth defects to a baby if the mother takes an antidepressant like Zoloft during pregnancy. The LA times article cited medical research that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which found increased risk of intestinal, brain, and skull developmental issues, and acknowledged that many of these various birth injuries are potentially life threatening. Alarmingly, it has also been documented that when a woman takes Zoloft during pregnancy, the baby could potentially experience withdrawal symptoms from the medication in the week following its birth. These withdrawal symptoms include both tremors as well as trouble sleeping. Another popular antidepressant, Paxil, has been linked to severely augmented risks of heart malformation when taken during pregnancy as well. These various birth defects have resulted in an increase in the filing of antidepressant pregnancy lawsuits. Antidepressants linked to these risks include: Zoloft, Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil.

File a Zoloft Pregnancy Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

When a child is born with a birth defect, it can be a very difficult and harrowing experience. If your child was born with an congenital defect and the mother took an antidepressant during any or part of the pregnancy, call the Willis Law Firm today. Our talented team of legal professionals is ready to provide you and your family with the information you need to assess whether you may have a legal entitlement to financial compensation through a Zoloft Pregnancy Lawsuit. All antidepressant birth defect cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, so you will be billed no legal fees unless a successful recovery is made.

Taking Zoloft while pregnant may lead to an increased risk of several different types of birth defects, many which are potentially life threatening. Over the past few years Zoloft has been linked to congenital heart defects, stomach/abdominal wall defects, cranial/skull defects, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and several other devastating medical conditions. The FDA has released a safety communication regarding the increased risk of one of these conditions, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). Unfortunately, the FDA still allows for the treatment of pregnant women with this type of antidepressant medication despite these risks.

FDA Pregnancy Categories

Currently, the United States Food and Drug Administration uses a category system in order to rank and evaluate the safety of various drugs taken during pregnancy. This category system was introduced in the year 1979, and many other countries have implemented similar systems. This is because many drugs are tetrogens, which means that they could potentially harm a developing child. Zoloft (sertraline) is in the FDA’s “Pregnancy Category C,” which means that in animal studies, the drug has demonstrated harm/adverse effect to the developing child, but sufficient studies have not been performed using humans. Another similar antidepressant, Paxil, was recently reclassified as “Pregnancy Category D,” after new studies and market research demonstrated an adverse effect to human fetus.

Zoloft FDA Alert Lawsuits

Because taking Zoloft while pregnant has demonstrated increased risk of birth defects in several studies, many families choose to file a Zoloft lawsuit against Pfizer in order to help alleviate some of the financial burden that these injuries result in. A Zoloft lawsuit alleges that the manufacturer of the drug either did not perform sufficient testing prior to the release of the product, or that they failed in their duty to alert consumers regarding the potential for causing harm.

File a Zoloft Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

If your child was born with a birth injury and the mother was prescribed an antidepressant medication like Zoloft during the pregnancy, you and your family may be legally entitled to a financial settlement. Call the Willis Law Firm today in order to find out whether a Zoloft lawsuit is the right choice for you and your child. We are currently reviewing antidepressant birth defect cases in all 50 states regarding the following antidepressant medications:

• Zoloft
• Paxil
• Lexapro
• Celexa
• Effexor
• Prozac

Call today for your free and confidential case evaluation; all birth defect clients are taken on a contingency fee basis which means that you will not be billed any legal fees unless a recovery is made in your favor.

According to recent studies conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other groups, taking popular antacids like the purple pill Nexium for longer than a year may increase the risk of hip fractures significantly, especially in people over age 50. Nexium is one of the most commonly used prescription drugs on the entire market, taken by millions of individuals annually.

The medical professionals analyzing Nexium hypothesized that the same qualities of the drug that minimize the amount of acid in the stomach also prevent the body from absorbing an adequate amount of calcium. Calcium is essential to the development and maintenance of healthy bones in the body. This deterioration of the bones has led to reported weaker bones and Nexium related hip fractures.

Among the elderly, hip fractures may often lead to life-threatening complications. Until recently, the general perception of drugs like Nexium was that they were basically harmless. Bone fractures, more specifically hip fractures, were not listed as possible Nexium side effects when the drug was originally released and approved. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) latest warning now requires Nexium and other antacids to carry a special warning on the drugs’ label about potential bone fractures including Nexium hip fractures.

For many people suffering from heartburn, they are able to find relief from over-the-counter remedies like Tums or Rolaids, but for some these over-the-counter medicines are not adequate. According to one study, patients who used drugs like Nexium for more than a year had a 44% higher chance of hip fractures than nonusers. The study claims that the longer a patient takes Nexium, the higher the risk of hip fractures. Many patients have been taking Nexium for years without knowing the potentially dangerous side effects like hip and other bone fractures.

According to reported sales figures, Nexium is the second highest selling drug in the world with sales of more than $4.5 billion last year. The study also claims that men are at a higher risk of Nexium hip fractures than women. The researchers are unsure whether this difference is due to the fact that women may be more aware of the risks of osteoporosis or that they get more calcium in their diets.

Now that AstraZeneca, the maker of Nexium, is required to carry a special warning regarding Nexium hip fractures, many people wish that they had these warnings years ago. Nexium has been on the market for more than 10 years, so there are likely very many cases of Nexium hip fractures in which the patients had no idea what caused their painful hip fractures.

Nexium Lawsuit – Speak to an Attorney

Have you or a loved one suffered from bone fractures, hip fractures, bone loss, bone density loss, or osteoporosis which you think may be attributed to taking AstraZeneca’s Nexium? If so, you may be entitled to compensation from the makers of Nexium. Our Nexium lawyers are currently accepting Nexium hip fracture lawsuits for individuals suffering from bone fractures, bone loss, and osteoporosis caused by prescription Nexium. Please call today to see if you have grounds for a Nexium hip fracture lawsuit

Nexium, also known simply as ‘the purple pill,’ is one of the most popular antacids on the market. Manufactured by drug giant AstraZeneca, Nexium is in a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium are commonly used to treat conditions like acid reflux and ulcers.

Research studies conducted and monitored by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have revealed that prescription proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium can cause bone loss and bone fractures. These are Nexium complications that were not originally listed by AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Nexium. AstraZeneca and other manufacturers of (PPIs) like Nexium are now required to have special warnings regarding potential bone loss and bone fractures.

What is Bone Loss?

While bones may seem solid and lifeless, they are actually living tissues much like muscles. Just like other tissues in the human body, bones require a healthy diet and exercise in order to remain strong. Our bones provide our bodies with structure and support. More than simply keeping us standing however, bones are also responsible for storing essential minerals required by our bodies like calcium.

Throughout the body’s life, it is constantly breaking down old bone tissue and building new bone tissue. Whenever older bone tissue breaks down faster than new bone tissue is able to be created, the result is bone loss. Bone loss may eventually lead to low bone density or osteoporosis, both linked to the use of the purple pill, Nexium.

Nexium and Bone Loss

Osteoporosis, or in common terms, porous bone, is a disease which causes the bones to become weak and fragile. Bones which are porous, or suffering from osteoporosis are more likely to break or fracture. Bone fracturing is commonly reported among Nexium patients, and it is one of the common complications which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned may be caused by Nexium.

Millions of people in the world are affected by osteoporosis. Fractures due to osteoporosis caused by Nexium frequently occur as hip fractures, wrist fractures, or spine fractures. More than 1.5 million fractures annually may be attributed to osteoporosis. Until recently, it was mostly unknown that drugs like Nexium cause bone loss and bone fracture. Following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new warning regarding Nexium and bone loss, patients suffering from bone loss due to Nexium will be more aware of the cause of their bone loss.

Nexium Lawsuit – Speak to an Attorney

Have you or a loved one suffered from bone fractures, bone loss, bone density loss, or osteoporosis which you think may be attributed to taking AstraZeneca’s Nexium? If so, you may be entitled to compensation from the makers of Nexium. Our Nexium lawyers are currently accepting Nexium lawsuits for individuals suffering from bone fractures, bone loss, and osteoporosis caused by prescription Nexium. Please call today to see if you have grounds for a Nexium lawsuit

Sertraline, more popularly known by its brand name Zoloft, is a type of antidepressant medication called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Unfortunately, several reputable medical research studies have linked this popular drug to higher rates of congenital heart defect if taken during a pregnancy. Currently, Zoloft as well as several other similar medication are characterized as Pregnancy Category C by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which means that although they may have demonstrated harm to a fetus in animal reproductive studies, they are still able to be prescribed to pregnant women. When a woman gives birth to a child with a Zoloft heart defect, sometimes she will decide to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the drug in order to help her pay for the various medical and emotional costs associated with the injury.

Zoloft Heart Defect Studies

Studies have shown that if a woman takes Zoloft while pregnant, the concentration of the drug in the blood at the time of birth indicates that the baby was exposed to about 1/3 of the drug that the mother took. A 2007 study performed by the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that taking an SSRI antidepressant (like Zoloft) while pregnant increases the risk of congenital heart defect by 2.7 times. Another 2005 Danish study also found that taking an SSRI like Zoloft during the first trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of congenital heart defect by an alarming 60%. The risk varies depending on the specific type of Zoloft heart defect, and unfortunately heart defect is not the only birth injury that has been associated with Zoloft.

Types of Zoloft Heart Defects

Pfizer’s Zoloft antidepressant has been linked to many different types of heart defect as well as other congenital birth injuries. Some of the most frequently reported Zoloft heart defect problems include, but are not limited to the following:

Pulmonary/Tricuspic Atresia

Atrial/Ventricular Septal Defect

Tetralogy of Fallot

Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Transposition of the Great Arteries

Coarctation of the Aorta

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

In addition to heart defect, Zoloft has also been linked with abdominal wall defects, lung defects, limb defects, Autism spectrum disorders, and cranial/skull birth defects as well.

File a Zoloft Heart Defect Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Was your child or the child of a loved one born with a heart defect after prenatal exposure to Zoloft or another SSRI antidepressant medication? If so, call the Willis Law Firm today because you and your child may have a legal entitlement to financial compensation through filing a Zoloft Heart Defect Lawsuit. Our firm is currently accepting birth defect clients on a national scale for the following antidepressant medications: Zoloft, Effexor, Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil. Call us today, so we can provide you with an initial case evaluation completely free of charge or obligation; all Zoloft cases are taken on a contingency fee basis.