Zofran, the brand name for the medication ondansetron, is used to treat nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, post surgery, motion sickness, and morning sickness in pregnant woman. It was developed and is manufactured by British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, the sixth largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Zofran was first approved for human use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1991. It’;s now available in the generic form. Zofran works by affecting serotonin (a neurotransmitter) levels in the brain.
Zofran and its generic form (ondansetron) are prescribed to approximately one million pregnant women each year in the United States. This is particularly troubling because a 2014 study found a higher risk many birth defects in infants whose mothers had use Zofran during pregnancy.
Atrial Septal Defect and Ventricular Septal Defect
Two of the most serious birth defects commonly linked to Zofran use in pregnant mothers are:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall separating two lower chambers of the heart
Are ASD and VSD Serious Health Concerns?
If not properly treated, both ASD and VSD can cause heart and lung damage, resulting in a shortened life span. Anyone who suspects their child has suffered a birth defect due to the use of Zofran needs to consult a pharmaceutical litigation attorney.
Farah & Farah is representing prescription injury victims nationwide. Let us put our legal team to work for you by calling (877) 304-8840 for a free consultation.
