Zofran Birth Injury Lawsuits

Did your doctor prescribe Zofran or the generic prescription drug ondansetron during your pregnancy to combat nausea and vomiting? Was your beautiful baby born with a birth defect? If your answer is yes, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your baby’s injury.

Over the course of my more than 40 year tenure as a birth injury attorney, I’ve helped thousands of injured clients obtain hundreds of millions of dollars for their injuries.  I have the experience and financial resources to take on pharmaceutical giants, other large corporations, and anyone who has harmed my clients. If you were hurt by someone else’s negligence, call me today and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

What Is Zofran?

Zofran, the brand name for the generic drug ondansetron, is an FDA approved medication commonly prescribed to manage nausea and vomiting. Particularly in the context of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, it can also be prescribed to pregnant women who suffer from daily nausea and vomiting.

FDA approved Zofran belongs to a class of drugs known as antiemetics. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. Serotonin is involved in triggering nausea and vomiting, and by inhibiting its effects, Zofran reduces these symptoms.

Pregnant women may be prescribed Zofran for a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This is a severe and persistent form of morning sickness that can lead to extreme nausea, vomiting, and weight loss during pregnancy. It is different from the more common and milder morning sickness experienced by many pregnant women.

Here are some reasons why Zofran may be prescribed to a pregnant woman with hyperemesis gravidarum:

1. Severe Symptoms: Hyperemesis gravidarum can be debilitating, causing excessive vomiting and nausea. Zofran can help alleviate these symptoms, enabling woman to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration during pregnancy.
2. Preventing Dehydration: Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus. Zofran can help prevent or reduce dehydration by controlling nausea and vomiting.
3. Weight Maintenance: Extreme morning sickness can lead to significant weight loss due to the inability to keep food down. Zofran can help women maintain a healthier weight during pregnancy, which is important for the well-being of both the mother and baby.

While it can be effective in managing severe nausea and vomiting, concerns have been raised about its safety, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy . Healthcare providers will carefully consider the risks and benefits of Zofran for each patient, and may explore alternative treatments or lifestyle changes before prescribing it.

Mothers who take Zofran do so to maintain a healthy weight to ensure their baby receives the nutrition they need to properly develop. Unfortunately, birth defects occur from the use of this drug. If your child was born with birth defects, and you took Zofran during your pregnancy, you need to call me today for a free consultation to discuss your birth injury claim.

Zofran Facts

• Zofran was approved by the FDA in 1991
• By 2006 Zofran become the 20th most prescribed medication in the US
• Zofran is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline
• Zofran is an anti-nausea drug often prescribed to treat morning sickness
• Mothers who have taken Zofran are at an increased risk of delivering babies with birth defects

Possible Birth Defects Caused by Zofran

Cleft Lip

Cleft lip is a birth defect that occurs during fetal development. It is characterized by a noticeable split or opening in the upper lip. This condition is subject to further investigation in birth injury cases, particularly if the baby was born to a mother who was prescribed Zofran.

Cleft Palate

Another birth defect that can occur from Zofran use is a cleft palate. This birth defect occurs when the tissue and cartilage that form the roof of the baby’s mouth does not fully close during fetal development. While not always preventable, medical professionals have the technological means to better monitor and address potential risks associated with medications like Zofran.

Does the occurrence of a cleft palate during fetal development indicate medical negligence or medical malpractice occurred? In some instances yes, but further discovery must conducted to determine exactly what happened.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

This is a congenital heart defect where there is an abnormal opening between the atria, and it’s among the most common birth defects that can affect newborns. In some cases, it may be implicated that Zofran use during pregnancy is believed to be a contributing factor. If you suspect your child’s Atrial Septal Defect was due to Zofran us, call me to discuss a possible birth injury lawsuit.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

VSD is another common birth injury involving an abnormal opening, this time between the ventricles of the heart. Medical professionals should closely monitor and assess any potential links between Zofran use during pregnancy and the occurrence of Ventricular Septal Defect. It is crucial for your doctor to explain the possible correlation of Zofran and birth defects.

Heart Murmurs

Murmurs can be indicative of underlying heart defects. Medical professionals should investigate any potential associations between Zofran use during pregnancy and the development of a heart murmur. Effective communication with medical professionals is key to evaluating and managing heart murmurs.

Kidney Malformations

Kidney malformations are structural abnormalities in the kidneys and can affect their function. While not always preventable, doctors should be vigilant in monitoring and managing potential risks associated with the medication Zofran.

Musculoskeletal Abnormalities

Abnormalities may include limb deformities and joint abnormalities. Families dealing with preventable birth injuries related to musculoskeletal abnormalities should reach out to me to explore the possibility of birth injury litigation, and I am here to help.

Learning that your child is suffering from a birth defect is heartbreaking. This is often devastating for parents because they understand, it has long-term consequences for their beautiful new baby. Your child should have the opportunity to live as normal of a life as possible. As a highly experienced birth injury lawyer, and I am here to get you the help you need. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Necessary Treatments

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate:

Surgical Repair: Surgical closure of cleft lip and palate is necessary to restore the appearance and function of the affected areas. The surgeries are typically performed in stages, with the initial surgery often occurring around 3-6 months of age. Cleft palate repair usually takes place between 9-18 months. Additional surgeries may be required as the child grows and facial structures develop.

Speech Therapy: Speech therapy may be required to help children with cleft palate develop proper speech and communication skills. The duration of speech therapy can vary from months to years, depending on the individual child’s progress.

Feeding Assistance: Infants with cleft lip and palate often require specialized bottles and nipples, along with guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure effective feeding.

Dental and Orthodontic Care: Children with cleft lip and palate may require ongoing dental and orthodontic care throughout their childhood and adolescence. This can include treatments such as braces, dental restorations, and orthognathic surgery to address dental and jaw alignment issues.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD):

Monitoring: In some cases, small ASDs or VSDs may require regular monitoring by a pediatric cardiologist. This monitoring is essential to assess the defect’s progress and any associated symptoms. The duration of monitoring may extend for years.

Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or reduce the workload on the heart in cases where the defects cause cardiac strain. The duration of medication use can vary, but it may be necessary for an extended period.

Surgical Repair: Larger or symptomatic ASDs and VSDs may require surgical closure to prevent complications and improve heart function. The surgery is typically performed in early childhood, and recovery may take several weeks.

Heart Murmurs:

Diagnostic Evaluation: Heart murmurs require a thorough diagnostic evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist to determine their cause and severity. This evaluation involves various tests such as echocardiograms and electrocardiograms. The duration of diagnostic evaluation depends on the complexity of the murmur.

Monitoring: Benign heart murmurs may only require periodic monitoring to ensure they do not worsen over time. Monitoring can extend over several years during childhood and may involve occasional cardiology visits and tests.

Medication or Surgery: Treatment options for heart murmurs depend on the underlying cause and severity. Medication or surgery may be required.

Kidney Malformations:

Conservative Management: Some mild kidney malformations may not require active treatment and can be managed through regular monitoring by a pediatric nephrologist. It is important to continue monitoring these symptoms.

Medication: In cases where kidney function is affected, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or other underlying conditions.

Surgical Correction: Severe kidney malformations may require surgical correction or kidney transplantation. The duration of treatment can be prolonged, involving surgery, post-operative care, and ongoing monitoring.

Musculoskeletal Abnormalities:

Orthopedic Consultation: Children with musculoskeletal abnormalities should undergo an orthopedic evaluation to determine the extent of the condition and the need for treatment.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to improve mobility, strength, and range of motion. It is important to start physical therapy early, to help improve your child’s birth injury.

Bracing or Casting: Some musculoskeletal issues may require the use of braces or casts to support proper bone and joint development. The duration of bracing or casting can range from months to years.

Surgery: In severe cases, corrective surgery may be necessary to address deformities or malformations. Treatment and recovery can be lengthy.

Getting your child the care they need is essential. Birth injury claims can be filed in an effort to obtain compensation to afford doctor visits, treatment, procedures, therapy, and equipment if necessary. While you spend time with your baby, loving them, and helping them to recover, I’ll take care of your Zofran lawsuit.

Call Me

Was your baby injured because of Zofran use?

Thousands of injured victims have entrusted their legal care to me. When birth injuries occur, I am the best chance you have to obtain fair compensation!

Call me today 877.944.4373.

FAQs

1. What is Zofran, and what is it commonly prescribed for during pregnancy?

   • Zofran is the brand name for the medication ondansetron. It is commonly prescribed during pregnancy to treat nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.

2. Is Zofran safe to use during pregnancy?

   • The safety of Zofran during pregnancy is a topic of ongoing research and debate. While it has been considered generally safe for use, there have been concerns about potential risks, particularly in relation to birth defects.

3. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with Zofran use in pregnancy?

   • Potential risks and side effects of Zofran use in pregnancy may include constipation, headache, and dizziness.

4. Has Zofran been linked to birth defects or other pregnancy complications?

   • Some studies have suggested a potential association between Zofran use during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester and certain birth defects.

5. What are the potential birth defects associated with Zofran use during pregnancy?

   • Potential birth defects associated with Zofran use include cleft lip, cleft palate, atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and others.

6. How common are these birth defects in babies exposed to Zofran in utero?

   • The prevalence of these birth defects in babies exposed to Zofran in utero is not well-established, and the likelihood of such defects occurring varies.

7. What should pregnant women do if they are prescribed Zofran for morning sickness?

   • Pregnant women should have a discussion with their healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits of Zofran use. It is essential to make an informed decision based on individual circumstances.

8. Are there any alternative medications or treatments for morning sickness that are considered safer during pregnancy?

   • There are alternative treatments and lifestyle changes that may help alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy. You should discuss these with your healthcare providers.

   • Is there any ongoing research or litigation related to Zofran and birth defects?

   • Yes, there has been ongoing research into the potential links between Zofran and birth defects, and some families have pursued legal action in cases where they believe their child’s birth defect may be connected to Zofran use during pregnancy.

I’m here to answer your questions. Call me for a free consultation!