Zofran Birth Defect Lawsuit Alleges Drug Caused Craniofacial Defects
October 30, 2015 – – ZofranLegal.com reports on one of the most recent lawsuits filed regarding anti-nausea drug Zofran. In this case, the suit was filed by parents in Idaho who claim that their son, who was born with craniofacial defects, suffered these defects because of his exposure to Zofran while developing in the womb.
The son, born in 2007, was given an ultrasound before his birth that noted craniofacial defects had developed, including a cleft alveolus and ear deformities. Upon birth, he was required to undergo several corrective surgeries for these defects, including an alveolar bone graft. The parent’s complaint states, “His birth defects impair his ability to develop fully and enjoy life both at home and at school because he lives with a craniofacial birth defect that subjects him to teasing and bullying.” They are currently seeking compensatory damages, equitable relief, and more.
Zofran is commonly prescribed and marketed to pregnant women as a treatment for nausea associated with morning sickness. The drug, however, was never tested or approved for safety or use on expectant mothers. It was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1991 to treat patients experiencing extreme bouts of nausea and vomiting after having undergone chemotherapy, radiation, or anesthesia procedures.
Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline marketed the drug to expectant mothers and OB/GYNs across the nation despite these facts. The drug is prescribed to over 1 million pregnant women annually. Since beginning this “off-label” marketing campaign, however, GSK has allegedly received over 200 medical reports which indicate that fetuses exposed to the drug through their mothers while developing in utero are subsequently born with birth defects.
Lawsuits from parents across the U.S. now number over 60, and include allegations that Zofran exposure has caused babies to be born with birth defects ranging from transposition of the greater vessels (TGV), atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), cleft lip and palate, and clubfoot. The cases were consolidated to form MDL No. 2657 in mid-October by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. They are being overseen by U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor in the District of Massachusetts.
Currently, the attorneys at Monheit Law are working to ensure that anyone who used Zofran while pregnant and gave birth to a child suffering from birth defects is able to explore their legal options by providing free consultations. These individuals and their children may be entitled to compensation.
For additional information on this topic or to ask questions, please contact Michael Monheit, Esq. at 877-620-8411.
###
Contact ZofranLegal.com:
Michael Monheit
1-877-620-8411
michael@monheit.com
1368 Barrowdale Road, Rydal, PA 19046
ReleaseID: 60004990