New Birth Defect Analysis Cited In Zofran Lawsuits
Zofran, the brand name for Ondansetron, was developed by British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in the mid 1990s. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. The drug was marketed as an anti-nausea medication and prescribed to thousands, if not millions, of women who were suffering from morning sickness while pregnant. Studies later showed that babies born to pregnant women given Zofran in the first trimester had a 200 percent to 400 percent higher risk of being born with birth defects such as the congenital heart defects atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular septal defect.
Earlier this year, a Massachusetts judge consolidated 224 Zofran birth defect lawsuits into a class action suit. The case accuses manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline of fraudulently promoting its anti-nausea drug for unapproved use during pregnancy as well as concealing evidence that Zofran can increase the risk for major birth defects.
Now more birth defects have been linked to prenatal exposure to Zofran. A recent study entitled “Ondansetron for the Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and the Risk of Birth Defects,” re-examined data from earlier studies and increased levels of risk for the birth defects cleft palate, Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (when left side of the heart fails to develop), renal atresia (born without one or both kidneys), and diaphragmatic hernia (holes in diaphragm). The study found that Zofran directly led to all these birth defects.
If you or your spouse was prescribed Zofran for morning sickness during pregnancy, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline. But taking on one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world is not an easy task. You’ll need an aggressive and tenacious legal team to represent you. The attorneys at Farah & Farah will provide you with the dedicatred representation you need to get the settlement you and your family deserves.
Farah & Farah is currently investigating Zofran related injuries nationwide. Call (800) 533-3555 for a free consultation.
