Patent Foramen Ovale

Paxil Linked to Patent Foramen Ovale in Newborns

Patent Foramen Ovale is a birth defect linked to the use of Paxil during pregnancy. While a baby grows in the womb, there is a normal opening between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. Soon after the baby is born if this opening fails to close naturally, the hole is called patent foramen ovale (PFO). If your child was born with patent foramen ovale birth defect or any other Paxil related birth defect please contact Chandler, Mathis & Zivley, PC law firm immediately to discuss your legal options.

There was solid evidence as early as 1998 that Paxil was unsafe to take while pregnant, but the manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline did nothing to warn doctors or patients of these terrible birth defects. Research has shown that Paxil appears to accumulate in the lungs and by design, it reduces the amount of serotonin, a chemical in the brain, that is absorbed back in to presynaptic cells for the purpose of allowing a higher level of serotonin to bind to postsynaptic cells. In unborn babies, this extra serotonin is pooled into the lungs. This serotonin has the property of increasing pulmonary vascular resistance, requiring the heart to work harder and to birth defects such as patent foramen ovale.

Manufacturers of Paxil were aware of these findings before the finally released them to the Federal Drug Administration. It was not until December 2005 that the FDA alerted consumers of an increased risk of Paxil birth defects when it is taken during the first three months of pregnancy. Results of the studies showed the heart defects were, in most cases, atrial and ventricular septal defects, which are characterized by holes in the walls of the chambers of the heart.

Other possible Paxil heart birth defects include:

Speak to a Paxil Lawyer About Getting Compensation You are Entitled To

It has been brought to light that exposure to Paxil in the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk at birth for "congenital malformations," physical defects present at birth that can involve the heart, brain, lungs, liver, or intestinal tract. Speak to a qualified lawyer at Chandler, Mathis & Zivley, PC law about your child's patent foramen ovale birth defect or other congenital defects and learn about the legal options available to you and your family. Our law firm has represented other clients successfully and thoroughly understands product liability and drug litigation. You are not alone. Contact us today for a free and completely confidential Paxil birth defect lawsuit evaluation.

Featured Article:

Heart Defects In Newborns, Such As Patent Foramen Ovale, Have Been Connected To Paxil

[Posted on Jan 13]

For the last several years, former Paxil patients have been filing pharmaceutical lawsuits against the makers of the drug, GlaxoSmithKline. They’ve alleged that the drug company is responsible for the health problems facing their child because they were not provided warnings about the potential for Paxil birth defects if the medication is used by a woman during pregnancy. Those warnings were not issued until 2005 when the FDA reclassified Paxil as a Category D drug following years of research that connected it to birth defects such as the congenital heart disease patent foramen ovale.

Women who took Paxil during the first trimester of a pregnancy unknowingly increased the risk that they'd give birth to a child with patent foramen ovale. After learning of this increased risk, these women and their families were devastated to find out that their child’s heart condition should have been avoided. Many believe that GlaxoSmithKline knew of these risks earlier than 2005 but did nothing to warn patients and doctors. If so, this is negligence that should be punished and that’s been the impetus for a number of successful Paxil lawsuits.

The costs of treating a child with patent foramen ovale or other heart defects caused by Paxil are substantial. Families that have a heart defect baby often find themselves struggling financially and on top of the stress they’re dealing with related to their child’s health can feel hopeless. But news of recent Paxil lawsuits has given them reason to have hope. These cases have been ruled in favor of victims and seen GlaxoSmithKline forced to compensate victims financially. This provides at least some relief of their financial burden, which in turn will begin to alleviate the stress their feeling. You may be entitled to similar compensation if you believe your child’s patent foramen ovale is the result of Paxil use.

To learn more about a Paxil lawsuit or to determine if that type of litigation is appropriate for you, you need to consult with an experienced Paxil attorney. The Law Offices of Chandler, Mathis, & Zivley, PC, have been consistently successful in pharmaceutical lawsuits related to Paxil and can offer that kind of guidance. They provide a free legal consultation to former Paxil patients who want to learn more about a prescription drug lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline. This ensures you’re able to make an informed decision about whether or not to file a Paxil lawsuit and if you do, that you’ll have an attorney you can count on.

Read More Articles Below:

Serious Heart Conditions In Newborns Like Patent Foramen Ovale Have Been Linked To Paxil

Studies Are Linking Patent Foramen Ovale In Newborns To Paxil Use By The Mother

Is the Maker of Paxil Responsible for Causing Your Child’s Patent Foramen Ovale?

Find Help Today if You Believe Your Child’s Patent Foramen Ovale was Caused by Paxil