Brazil Hit With Birth Defect Outbreak As Zofran Birth Defect Lawsuits Await Progress In The U.S.

January 12, 2016 – – ZofranLegal.com reports on a rare epidemic of birth defects which have suddenly overtaken Brazil. A virus called Zika, which is generally carried and transmitted by mosquitos, was previously only found in African countries such as Ghana or the islands of Southeast Asia. Suddenly, however, it is appearing in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, and is joined by microcephaly rashes; serious and rare birth defects with damaging side effects. Medical researchers believe that the birth defects are somehow connected to the virus, which has not been significantly studied.

It has been reported that between the months of November and December, 2015, almost 3,000 children across Brazil were born with microcephaly, characterized by small heads and incomplete growth of the brain. Prior to this, throughout the entire year of 2014, just 150 children were born with the same defect. According to CNN, health advisors in the country have suddenly and unprecedentedly asked Brazilians to refrain from becoming pregnant until a cause for the severe and sudden outbreak is discovered.

Although it has been noted that the Zika virus is traveling northward, United States health officials have yet to express concern for pregnant women living here. They have indicated that, because mosquitos are uncommon in colder climates, there is likely no current need for panic. The mosquitos who carry the Zika virus especially, are said to prefer tropical regions. Despite this fact, however, the Zika virus was able to make its way into the United States, apparently without the help of mosquitos. The first case of Zika in the United States was discovered on Monday, January 11th of 2016, in Texas. The Houston resident who came down with the virus had recently returned from a trip to Latin America.

Birth defects have been the center of recent controversy in the United States surrounding a surge of lawsuits which have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of anti-nausea drug Zofran. Mothers across the country who have used the drug to treat their morning sickness are now stepping forward to file suit, alleging that exposure to the drug caused their unborn children to develop a range of serious and sometimes fatal congenital birth defects.

Multiple major studies support their arguments as well, finding almost a 2x rate increase in birth defects such as cleft palate and congenital heart defect for babies exposed to the drug while developing in utero. Plaintiffs frequently bring light to the fact that manufacturer GSK marketed their anti-nausea drug “off-label” as a morning sickness treatment. The medication was never FDA-approved or tested for safety for this use. Instead, it was specifically approved to treat patients dealing with nausea after undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and anesthesia.

Whatever the cause of birth defects may be, the aftereffects are devastating to the families involved. The attorneys at Monheit Law are working to do their part to help U.S. mothers who may have used Zofran while pregnant, and who later gave birth to children with defects. These women and their children may be entitled to significant compensation. Monheit Law is offering free consultations for anyone involved.

To request additional Zofran birth defect information, or ask questions, please contact Attorney Michael Monheit by calling 877-620-8411.

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Contact ZofranLegal.com:

Michael Monheit
1-877-620-8411
michael@monheit.com
1368 Barrowdale Road, Rydal, PA 19046

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