Paxil Birth Defects

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

Paxil Birth Defects - Paxil use during pregnancy has been directly linked to an increase risk for birth defects and development of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (“PPHN”). This dangerous condition affects the heart and lungs of a newborn. With this condition, the baby’s blood flow bypasses the lungs, where the oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. As a result, oxygen does not enter the blood stream and therefore, cuts off the supply of oxygen to the heart and other organs. This lack of oxygen may result in organ or tissue damage, heart failure, brain hemorrhage, kidney failure or possibly death. Even after treatment for PPHN, children may suffer from long-term effects, such as pulmonary disorders and breathing problems, developmental delay, seizure disorders and neurological deficits. According to 2002 statistics, over 25 million prescriptions are written for Paxil each year. Of these, more than 6.3 million were written for women in the childbearing years.

In the News - WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 - The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has advised expectant mothers to avoid Paxil in pregnancy. The antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine) may cause fetal cardiac malformations, and the drug should be shunned if possible in pregnancy, recommended an advisory committee of the ACOG. Click here to read more...

In 2003, Glaxo sponsored a study that indicated that use of Paxil during pregnancy increased the risk of Paxil birth defects more than 2-fold, with the most common defect being cardiovascular abnormalities. However, through 2005, Glaxo marketed the leading anti-depressant, Paxil as a Pregnancy Category C drug. The FDA Pharmaceutical Pregnancy Categories indicate the potential for fetal risk caused by exposure to medications during pregnancy. This rating indicates that animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus but that there are no adequate well-controlled studies in humans.

Glaxo waited two years to strengthen their warning on Paxil in December 2005, at the request of the FDA, to name Paxil as a Pregnancy Category D product, meaning there is positive evidence of human fetal risk associated with use during pregnancy.

Pharmaceutical sales are big business and medications for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are top moneymakers for pharmaceutical giants such as GlaxoSmithKline (“Glaxo”), who reported more than $1 billion in annual sales of the drug Paxil (paroxetine).

Glaxo continues to market their product and advise against discontinuing use of Paxil during pregnancy despite the increased risk for birth defects. To support their position Glaxo cites a study that indicated a 68% relapse rate for major depression during the course of the pregnancy for women who stopped taking medication for depression during pregnancy. As Glaxo points out the risk for recurrence of depression, they fail to indicate that the risk of PPHN doubles with the use of SSRI medications such as Paxil during pregnancy.

If you or someone you know took Paxil during pregnancy and your child suffers from a birth defect or other medical condition, call the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm at 713-223-1234 or toll-free 1-800-779-4950. Or, if you prefer, you may email us at Info@OgletreeAbbott.com. If you would like our firm to represent you in your Paxil birth defect claim, simply complete our online attorney-client agreement and we will get started right away. We will talk to you, answer your questions and provide additional facts and information so that you can make the best choices. You should not have to face this alone and Glaxo should be held accountable for the suffering your child has and will continue to experience due to Paxil.

Paxil Birth Defect Questionnaire

If you would like for us to give you a free opinion of whether you have a valid birth defect claim please complete the following questionnaire. We will quickly let you know whether we can help you. Completing this questionnaire does not mean you are hiring our law firm and there is no obligation or fee. All information will be kept confidential. Answer as many questions as you possibly can but don't worry about questions you don’t understand or don’t have the answers right now. We will email or call you if more information is needed.

Please complete the following information and we will quickly respond.
Personal Information
1. Full Name:
2. Phone:
3. Email:
Information About Your Paxil Use
5. For what condition were you initially prescribed Paxil? Depression Social Anxiety Disorder Other If other, please explain:
4. For which trimester(s)?	1st 2nd 3rd All
6. When did you first begin taking Paxil?
7. Are you still taking Paxil now? Yes No
6. If not, when did you stop taking Paxil?
7. What other medications did you take during your pregnancy?
Information About Your Pregnancy / Childbirth
8. Did you have complications with your pregnancy? Yes No
If yes, did you suffer:	gestational diabetes
	pre-eclampsia
	preterm labor
	other explain:
9. Did you have complications with or after childbirth? Yes No
Check any that apply:	Hole in Heart
	PPHN (Persistant Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn)PPHN (Persistant Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn)
	Other Cardiac Condition - please explain:
	Other Pulmonary Condition - please explain:
9. What medical treatment did your child receive after birth?
10. Does your child continue to require medical attention? Yes No If so, please explain.
9. Do you have a family history of heart problems? Yes No If so, please explain.
Once you've completed and verified the above information, click 'OK' below. We will review the information you've provided and respond within one business day.

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Ogletree Abbott Law Firm, L.L.P. - 12600 N. Featherwood Dr, Ste 200 - Houston, Texas 77034
Phone: (713) 223-1234 Fax: (713) 910-9010