Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers – Birth Defects Linked to Zoloft

The products liability lawyers at the law offices of Galfand Berger in Philadelphia are investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of pregnant women who gave birth to newborns with birth defects after taking the antidepressant Zoloft.   Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is an antidepressant medication that falls into a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).  Zoloft is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. and was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991.

Zoloft has been used to treat several diseases including depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Despite its popularity, scientific research has shown that Zoloft is actually a dangerous drug when taken by pregnant women. Research has shown a link between its use by expecting mothers and a higher likelihood of serious birth defects or malformations.

Severe Birth Defects Linked to Zoloft

Medical research studies have shown that pregnant women taking Zoloft carry a significant risk of birth defects for their unborn children including:

• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
• Cleft lip and cleft palate
• Craniosynostosis
• Gastrochisis
• Club foot
• Neural Tube Defects
• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
• Pulmonary Stenosis
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Transposition of the Great Arteries
• Spina Bifida
• Anal Atesia
• Septal defects
• Omphalocele

Hundreds of Dangerous Drug Lawsuits Pending Against Pfizer for Failure to Warn of Risks to Newborns

There are currently hundreds of Zoloft lawsuits pending in U.S. District Courts against Pfizer with additional claims expected to be filed.  Allegations have been made that Pfizer knew about the link between Zoloft and the potential risk of birth defects but failed to provide sufficient information or adequate warnings. Pfizer failed to reveal study results about this possible link to not only the FDA but also the medical community and the general public. Expectant mothers could were not equipped to make informed medical decisions about whether to continue taking or begin taking Zoloft while pregnant.  Instead, the company continued to market and sell their dangerous drug.

Pursuing Zoloft Birth Defect Lawsuit:  Compensation to Care for your Child

Children born with Zoloft birth defects may require multiple hospitalizations and corrective surgeries as well as ongoing treatments and medical care well into their adulthood. The emotional stress and financial burden of costly treatments and lifelong care can be overwhelming.  For the children and their families who are suffering from the effects of a Zoloft birth defect, it is imperative to seek legal advice from an experienced, knowledgeable dangerous drug lawyer as soon as possible to determine the best course of legal action and to secure the necessary financial compensation to provide the victims with the best possible medical care.

Galfand Berger: Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers Representing Victims Injured by Dangerous Drugs

If you or someone you love has taken Zoloft during a pregnancy and delivered a baby with a birth defect, contact the Philadelphia products liability lawyers at Galfand Berger.  Our team of injury lawyers has the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your possible claim and determine if you have the proper grounds for a products liability case. We will aggressively fight to help you and your family get the fair and just compensation for your child’s injuries.

With offices located in located in Philadelphia, Reading, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we are easily accessible to serve clients in all surrounding Southeast Pennsylvania communities, including Allentown and Harrisburg, as well as Southern New Jersey.  Call us today at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or submit an online inquiry.