Zoloft®

Zoloft® (generic name: sertraline hydrochloride) was approved by the FDA in 1991 as an antidepressant. It's an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that is used to treat depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and social anxiety disorders. Recent Zoloft® news is about this drug's link to birth defects such as PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) and heart defects.

In fact, a class action against Pfizer, the maker of Zoloft®, was filed in early March 2012 in St. Louis, and in San Diego in late March, a U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation will consider the consolidation of more individual lawsuits based on birth defects allegedly linked to Zoloft® treatment during pregnancy.

If you were given Zoloft® during your pregnancy and your baby is born with a birth defect such as PPHN or a heart defect, you should speak with a birth defect lawyer at the Flood Law Group to find out if you qualify to seek compensation for your baby’s injuries. Schedule a free review of your case by contacting us today.

Risk for Birth Defects

Zoloft® has been prescribed to millions of women around the world. In some cases, the patients are not well advised of Zoloft®'s risk of inducing birth defects. In addition, a woman may be taking Zoloft® and then become pregnant; she may be using Zoloft® before she realizes that she is pregnant.

Zoloft®'s FDA pregnancy classification is "C," which indicates: "Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks."

Types of Birth Defects Associated with Zoloft®, SSRIs

The types of birth defects associated with SSRI antidepressants include:

• PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn)
• omphalocele (an abdominal birth defect)
• heart defects
• cleft lip and cleft palate
• craniosynostosis (a skull defect)
• neural-tube defects (e.g., brain and spinal cord, spina bifida)
• anal atresia (complete or partial closure of the anus)
• clubfoot (one or both feet turn downward/ inward)

Contact a Zoloft® Birth Defect Lawyer

Families and individuals who have suffered harm (e.g., birth defects, injuries or illnesses) due to a prescription drug can turn to the Flood Law Group for help. Please feel free to contact our Zoloft® attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation; we will answer all of your questions about the possible risks associated with taking Zoloft® during your pregnancy and can help you seek compensation if your baby is affected.