No Warning of Zoloft Link To Spina Bifida, Despite Evidence

Zoloft (sertraline) is a second generation antidepressant that is made by Pfizer, which is part of a class of medications known as SSRI antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Generic Zoloft equivalents are also available from a number of drug makers. Use of the antidepressant during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of Zoloft persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN), as well as other birth malformations and defects, such as: septal heart defects, hypoplastic left or right heart syndrome, spina bifida, autism and infant death. According to allegations raised in Zoloft lawsuits, the drug makers failed to adequately research the effect of the medication when used during pregnancy

and did not provide warnings to consumers or the medical community that Zoloft during pregnancy may leave children with serious and potentially fatal health problems.

Use of the popular antidepressant Zoloft, as well as other similar SSRI antidepresants, has been linked to a possible risk of spina bifida. Zoloft lawsuits are being reviewed for children born with spina bifida, as well as other neural tube defects and malformations. Spina bifida, also commonly referred to as myelomeningocele, is a neural tube defect that occurs when some vertebrae overlying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open.This typically occurs during the first month of pregnancy, at a time when many women do not even know they are pregnant. The closure of the neural tube typically occurs around the 23rd and 27th day of pregnancy.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN) is a serious respiratory disorder which could be suffered by a newborn after birth.  In some cases, PPHN could be caused by antidepressant side effects when the medications are taken during the pregnancy. As a result of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN), the blood vessels leading to the lungs may fail to expand as they normally should.  This will cause insufficient blood flow to the lungs, and the baby may suffer serious and potentially life threatening problems. In recent months, momentum has been growing for similar birth defect lawsuits over Zoloft, which is one of the most prescribed medications in the United States.