In July of 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued an alert that taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) while pregnant can result in an increased risk of Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension. This alert was based on a case-control study performed by the New England Journal of Medicine which followed about 1200 women between the years of 1998-2003. The results of the study demonstrated that babies born to mothers who took SSRI antidepressants (including Lexapro) were six times more likely to have Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension(PPHN) than babies who were not exposed to SSRIs during gestation. Because the number of cases was fairly small, the study was unable to compare the risks between specific SSRIs and all of the following are associated with this risk:
- Lexapro
- Fluvoxamine
- Celexa
- Paxil
- Zoloft
- Symbyax
- Prozac
FDA Warning Regarding Taking Lexapro While Pregnant
Based on the information gathered from the New England Journal of Medicine study, the FDA has revised the prescribing information for Lexapro and other SSRIs to include this information. Furthermore, the FDA is also collecting data from other sources regarding to the potential association between SSRIs and neonatal PPHN. The FDA will provide additional information when it becomes available.
Lexapro FDA Pregnancy Category C
Currently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes a category system organized by letters to classify the risks posed to a fetus when a medication is taken by the expectant mother during the course of her pregnancy. To date, Lexapro is in Pregnancy Category C, which means that it does demonstrate adverse side effects to the unborn child in animal studies, but that adequate human studies have not yet been performed or evaluated. Category C medications, like Lexapro, can still be prescribed to pregnant patients if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the baby.
Taking Lexapro While Pregnant – Talk to a Birth Defects Lawyer
Were you taking Lexapro or another SSRI antidepressant while pregnant and delivered a baby with PPHN or other congenital birth defect or condition? If so, call the Willis Law Firm today for a confidential Lexapro Lawsuit Assessment free of charge. Have your potential claim reviewed by a highly acclaimed trial lawyer with the highest peer review rating. We are currently accepting Lexapro Birth Defect Lawsuits nationwide on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients will never be billed for lawyer or other legal fees unless a successful financial recovery is obtained. Call the Willis Law Firm Today to let us help you and your child secure the compensation you may be legally entitled to.