The drug Zofran was developed to assist patients suffering from nausea. However women who used the drug during the early stages of pregnancy and gave birth to children with birth defects may be eligible to file a Zofran birth defects lawsuit. An Arkansas Zofran lawsuit attorney with the Johnson Firm can assist affected families.
For more information, contact the Johnson Firm today. We offer free, no obligation consultations, and we can help you determine whether you have a claim. You can contact us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 501-777-7777, or emailing us at info@johnsonfirm.law.
What Is Zofran?
Zofran is drug made by GlaxoSmithKline and is approved for use in cancer patients suffering from the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Patients combating nausea and vomiting after surgery also may use Zofran to relieve their symptoms. The drug helps patients by blocking serotonin, a substance in the body that can stimulate the vomiting reflex.
Why Are There Lawsuits Filed Against the Makers of Zofran?
Arkansas Zofran birth defect lawyers note allegations that the makers of Zofran promoted the drug for “off-label” use during pregnancy. Off-label uses of a drug are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Lawsuits claim that Zofran was marketed to women who were suffering from morning sickness during the early stages of pregnancy to alleviate their nausea and vomiting. However, the drug has been linked with birth defects in the babies of women who used the drug during early pregnancy to combat nausea and vomiting. As a result, the makers of Zofran have had lawsuits filed against them with allegations including:
- The drug company did not conduct clinical trials to ensure Zofran was safe for pregnant women to use.
- The drug company fraudulently marketed the drug for off-label use.
- The drug company failed to disclose the risks of Zofran.
Arkansas Zofran birth defect lawyers are helping families seek compensation from GlaxoSmithKline for allegedly marketing the drug for use during pregnancy while concealing the risk of birth defects.
What Are the Birth Defects Associated With Zofran?
A study that examined women who took Zofran during pregnancy between 1997 and 2010 suggested a twofold increase in the risk of heart defects for women who took Zofran during pregnancy. Congenital heart defects found in the babies of women who used the drug to combat morning sickness include:
- Heart murmurs, characterized by abnormal sounds as the heart beats;
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), which is a hole in the upper chambers of the heart that allows blood to flow between the chambers; and
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), which is a similar hole to ASD that occurs in the lower chambers of the heart
Other studies have linked additional problems in the babies born to women who used Zofran during pregnancy, including:
- Cleft palate
- Cleft lip
- Kidney defects
- Problems with fetal growth
There are several expected side effects for patients taking Zofran. Some patients may experience dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, lightheadedness or headaches. Rarer side effects include vision problems, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, muscle spasms and fainting. An allergic reaction to Zofran can cause rash, swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.
Zofran can also cause serotonin syndrome since it increases the levels of serotonin in patients. This side effect is more likely in patients who are taking other medications that increase serotonin. Serotonin toxicity causes a fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, twitching muscles, loss of coordination, agitation, restlessness, fever and hallucinations. Patients should report all side effects they experience while taking Zofran to their healthcare provider.
Is There a Class Action Lawsuit Against the Makers of Zofran?
There has not been a class action lawsuit initiated against GlaxoSmithKline. Suits have been filed individually to address the birth defects linked with Zofran due to off-label use in pregnant women. Patients and the families of the children affected by Zofran use during pregnancy in Arkansas can seek compensation with the help of an Arkansas Zofran lawsuit attorney.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
If you have questions about a Zofran birth defect lawsuit, or if you want to speak with an Arkansas Zofran lawsuit attorney, contact the Johnson firm today. You can contact us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 501-777-7777, or emailing us at info@johnsonfirm.law.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to get more information about your case. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and all of the information you provide is confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.