Did You Take Zoloft While Pregnant Without Knowing the Risks?

Zoloft is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for the treatment of depression in the United States. And, for the most part, it has proven to be effective and safe. But this is not necessarily true if you are pregnant.

Manufactured by Pfizer, Zoloft (sertraline) has been linked to heart defects and other problems in newborns when expectant mothers take it during pregnancy. The other birth defects that are linked to Zoloft include Autism Spectrum Disorder, spina bifida, cranial birth defects and many more.

At least 137 lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. alleging that the use of Zoloft during pregnancy caused birth defects in children. One of the most recent lawsuits maintains that Pfizer:

• Still markets Zoloft as a safe choice for pregnant mothers.
• Has ignored animal testing indicating the risks before the medication was released for general use.
• Failed to warn both patients and doctors of the risks.
• Encouraged physicians to prescribe Zoloft to women of childbearing age and even those who were already pregnant.

Even though the FDA issued a warning in 2005 that some SSRI medications, including Zoloft, can cause heart defects in newborns if taken during the first trimester, the drug is continuing to be prescribed and lawsuits continue.

19 Zoloft lawsuits were filed in this summer in West Virginia, according to the West Virginia Record. The plaintiffs argue that the mothers took Zoloft according to the directions of their doctors and that the resulting defects, including atrial septal defect, pulmonary hypertension, neural tube defects, and others were a direct result of taking the drug.

Mayo Clinic discusses the problem on its website. This respected health care site says that there are risks with taking antidepressants during pregnancy, but that these risks are low. However, a serious newborn lung problem, PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) is linked to these drugs when taken in the last part of pregnancy. In addition, they mention heart defects and possible other birth defects as risks.

Other SSRI antidepressants are also suspected as risky for use during pregnancy. These include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac and Paxil.

If you took Zoloft, or another SSRI antidepressant, during pregnancy and your child was harmed, you may have a case against the manufacturer. As Tennessee drug and medical device lawyers, we at Bailey & Greer believe that your child deserves representation.

Give us a call today toll free at 877-819-4414 to get your questions answered. You can also fill out the confidential form on this page for a free case consultation. Located in Memphis, Bailey & Greer handles claims throughout the nation.