Zoloft Heart Defects Commonly Linked to Infants

Studies have suggested that their may be an increased risk of Zoloft birth defects when the drug is used as early as the first trimester of pregnancy, a time when many women do not even know they are pregnant. 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. 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.

After birth, when the umbilical cord is cut, the newborn’s lungs take over the task of providing oxygen rich blood to the babies tissues and organs.  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. Treatment of PPHN often involves use of a ventilator or providing 100% oxygen to the baby.  This helps open the arteries leading to the lungs.  In more extreme cases, the newborn’s blood may be fed through a machine which adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Zimmer lawyers are reviewing potential Zoloft class action lawsuits and individual Zoloft birth injury suits for families of children born with these health problems. Compensation may be available through a lawsuit for Zoloft as a result of the drug makers’ decision to place their desire for profits before the safety of consumers and their children. In recent months, a growing number of parents whose children have been born with serious birth defects or malformations have been considering potential Zoloft lawsuits. According to allegations raised, Pfizer covered up preclinical and post marketing study results that showed a link between Zoloft and birth defects. By 2007 there were nearly 30 million prescriptions, making it the most prescribed antidepressant in the United States.