Paxil Use By The Mother Has Been Identified As A Cause Of Double Outlet Right Ventricle In Newborns
[Posted on Oct 10]
With the exception of the brain, the development of the heart in a fetus during pregnancy is the most important component in regards to the long term health of the child. When a child is born with a congenital heart condition surgery will be performed with the hope that a successful procedure will correct the problem and make it a non-issue going forward. But even when a procedure of that nature has a relatively high success rate, there’s still a great deal of concern by the parents and family because a body that age isn’t meant to be tested to that degree.
This is the challenge that a number of former users of the antidepressant Paxil have faced after discovering that taking the medication during the pregnancy greatly increased the chances that their child would be born with a congenital heart defect such as double outlet right ventricle. There were no warnings given to patients or the doctors who were prescribing Paxil from the drug’s makers, GlaxoSmithKline, about the dangers of using the medication during pregnancy. Had those warnings been given, it’s likely most cases of double outlet right ventricle caused by Paxil would have been avoided.
When a child is born with double outlet right ventricle, both the pulmonary artery and the aorta come up from the right side compared to the normal development when the aorta comes from the left. This condition requires the newborn’s heart to work extra hard to maintain healthy levels of circulation and can lead to other related health problems. It’s a devastating diagnosis and a trying time for the family, especially if they’re having difficulty paying for the needed medical care.
The families of a child born with double outlet right ventricle or other Paxil birth defects should consult with a lawyer about possible litigation. pharmaceutical lawsuits related to Paxil have been won by victims who hired quality representation and led to much needed financial compensation. They’ve also raised awareness about Paxil birth defects. Some women that have given birth to a child with double outlet right ventricle don’t know that it’s connected to their Paxil use. News of these lawsuits has alerted them to the connection. The more people that pursue legal action against the makers of Paxil, the more pressure there will be on these drug companies to be diligent and thorough about the warnings they provide for their products.
