The FDA issued a public health advisory in 2006 warning patients and healthcare professionals about the increased risk of a life-threatening birth defect called PPHN in children exposed to SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro in utero. This FDA warning was based on the results of a New England Journal of Medicine study in which researchers indicated that exposure to SSRI drugs like Lexapro in the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with a six-fold increased risk of PPHN. Several other SSRI side effect studies have been published in recent years which have drawn connections between the use of Lexapro during pregnancy and the development of numerous life-altering heart defects, limb defects, and neural tube defects among children. Despite this risk, research shows that more than 80,000 pregnant women are prescribed SSRI drugs like Lexapro in the U.S. in any given year.
According to recent FDA warnings and side effect studies, women who take SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro while pregnant may have a significantly increased risk of giving birth to children with major birth defects. Among these potential Lexapro birth defects are:
Most birth defects occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, before many women are even aware they are pregnant. Unfortunately, because nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned, all women of childbearing age taking Lexapro may be at risk of unknowingly causing irreversible harm to their unborn child.
If you took Lexapro while pregnant and your child has suffered from a serious side effect as a result, contact a Lexapro attorney as soon as possible. Your child may be entitled to lifetime care or financial compensation for his injuries, which you can collect by filing a Lexapro lawsuit against Forest Laboratories. The main goal of Lexapro attorneys is to help victims of potential Lexapro birth defects protect their rights and hold the allegedly negligent drug company liable for their injuries. Lexapro attorneys are experienced in defective drug litigation, and have the knowledge and skill necessary to help injured victims navigate the legal process. Having a Lexapro attorney on your side when filing a birth defect claim is critical to the potential success of your case. Qualified Lexapro attorneys are able to obtain important information pertaining to your case, including medical records and insurance documents, and also have access to medical and scientific experts who may be able to offer a professional testimony in support of your case.
The side effects potentially linked to Lexapro use in pregnancy are severe and can significantly alter an affected child's quality of life. If you or a loved one has suffered from a side effect which you believe to be linked to Lexapro, fill out the Lexapro Claim Review Form to consult an experienced Lexapro attorney. Drug makers like Forest Laboratories are expected to produce safe and effective medications, and should be held liable for any adverse side effects sustained by consumers of their products. Unfortunately, some pharmaceutical companies intentionally conceal the more serious side effects of their medications in an attempt to make them more appealing to the public. This deceptive practice exposes millions of consumers to unreasonable harm and possibly even death. With the help of a qualified Lexapro lawyer, injured victims can collect the compensation they deserve and protect themselves and their family from further harm.
Side Effects RX is an informational website that educates consumers on side effects that could have been caused by drugs and medical devices. This website has no relationship with any of the aforementioned drugs, pharmaceutical companies or medical device companies. SideEffectsRx.com was not written by medical professionals and should not be mistaken for medical advice. The purpose of this site is to inform consumers of the potential for side effects in certain drugs and medical devices. *This is a Consumer Justice Foundation website. We are not attorneys. Our relationships around the country ensure your lawsuit claim will reach an attorney immediately.