Pexeva®

Pexeva®, generically known as paroxetine and manufactured by Noven Therapeutics, LLC, is an FDA-approved selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication that is FDA approved to treat the debilitating symptoms of mood disorders, including depression, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, in adult patients.

Pexeva® Uses and Indications

Pexeva® works by increasing serotonin levels within the body to achieve psychological balance. In addition to being prescribed for the previously mentioned mental disorders, Pexeva® may also be indicated for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Pexeva® is not indicated for patients who are younger than 24 years old, who are allergic to paroxetine, and/or who have a history of epilepsy, liver or kidney disease, bleeding disorders, and/or drug abuse.

Birth Defects Linked to Pexeva®

Regardless of its ability to help some patients, Pexeva® — like other SSRIs — can cause a range of serious side effects in rare cases. Researchers are continually linking use of Pexeva® to new risks and possible dangers. In fact, among the most recent risks associated with the SSRI is the possibility that taking this medication during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of an infant being born with any of the following severe birth defects:

• Autism
• Facial deformities, such as cleft palate
• Improper development of the heart, which can result in holes in the heart's walls or inadequately developed major arteries of the heart
• Intracranial pressure caused by deformities of the skull
• Limb malformations, such as club foot
• Neural tube defects, including spina bifida
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which prevents proper breathing outside of the womb due to lack of lung development
• Skull deformations that can trigger intracranial pressure

While FDA warnings regarding some Pexeva® side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, have forced Noven Therapeutics, LLC to change the drug's warning labels, the FDA publicly announced in December 2011 that more research regarding the possibility of Pexeva® birth defects needed to be conducted to more definitively evaluate this potential risk.

Contact Flood Law Group

Those who have suffered a serious injury as a result of taking Pexeva® may have a case against Noven Therapeutics, LLC. The attorneys at Flood Law Group handle birth defect cases on behalf of families whose infants are born with a wide range of birth defects. If you were prescribed Pexeva® or another prescription medication before or during your pregnancy and your baby is born with one or more birth defect, you should contact Flood Law Group for help.

Our attorneys will go over the details of your specific case and will let you know if you are eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your baby's injuries and suffering. To learn more, schedule a free case review by contacting our firm today.