Prozac (fluoxetine) is a popular serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1987. Prozac is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A substantial percentage of women will experience some degree of depression while pregnant. Prozac, and other SSRIs are frequently prescribed to treat this prenatal depression. Unfortunately, Prozac and other antidepressants have been linked to severe birth defects in infants whose mothers took the drugs during pregnancy.
Prozac and the other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are coming under ever increasing scrutiny for increasing the risks of causing birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Research indicated that when taken prenatally, Prozac (fluoxetine) is linked to congenital heart defects and other dangerous birth defects in newborns.
Prozac birth defects can lead to lifelong complications and medical expenses. If you or someone you love has taken Prozac while pregnant and had a child born with a birth defect, you may be eligible for financial compensation. An experienced Prozac attorney can help you to learn about your rights.
Prozac linked to increased risk of birth defects
Over the last decade, the public is becoming increasingly aware of the links between taking an SSRI like Prozac during pregnancy and birth defects including:
- Spina Bifida
- Neural Tube Defects
- Heart Defects
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn (PPHN)
- Infant Omphalocele
- Craniosynostosis or Macroephaly
- Cleft Lip
- Cleft Palate
- Club Foot
- Miscarriage
A 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) revealed that women who take Prozac or another SSRI are 6 times more likely to have a baby born with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn (PPHN). The 2006 study in the NEJM prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue stronger warnings regarding Prozac and birth defects. Another recent report published in Pediatrics demonstrated a connection between prenatal Prozac and SSRI use and heart and neurological defects.
Prozac is considered a Pregnancy Class C medication indicating there is a chance Prozac may have adverse effects on a fetus in utero. Animal studies indicate that there is a high potential for Prozac birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Despite the clear links to Prozac and birth defects, the drug companies have not conducted detailed human trials regarding Prozac and birth defects.
Finding a Prozac Attorney and filing a lawsuit
When a child is born with a potentially life threatening or life altering Prozac birth defect, it can take a heavy emotional and financial toll on your family. If your child has a Prozac related birth defect and Prozac was taken during pregnancy, you may have legal recourse for compensation for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
Our Prozac lawyers are conducting Free Prozac Claim Reviews nationwide. For your Free Prozac case evaluation by a Prozac attorney, contact us today.