Birth Defects

Recent studies suggest an increased risk of birth defects for pregnant women taking Paxil® during their first trimester. According to the results of the studies, women who were taking Paxil® during the first trimester (first three months of pregnancy) were one and a half to two times more likely to have a child with heart malformations than women on other anti-depressants or women not on any drugs at all. Other studies have shown links between Paxil® and PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) or Persistent Fetal Circulation—a condition where a newborn’s circulation system does not adapt to breathing outside the womb.

Heart Defects

In late 2005, the FDA warned consumers of the increased risks of Paxil® birth defects when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. Results of the studies revealed that the majority of the heart defect cases where either Ventricular Septal or Atrial Septal heart defects. These defects are characterized by holes in the walls of either the atrium or ventricle chambers of the heart. Depending on the severity of the defect, the infant may recover naturally or require surgery.   

PPHN

PPHN occurs when a newborn's circulation system does not adapt to breathing outside the womb. While in the womb, a fetus gets its oxygen from its mother's placenta through the umbilical cords, so the lungs need little blood supply. There is an elevated blood pressure in the lungs, so blood in the pulmonary artery is re-routed away from the lungs to the other organs through a blood vessel, called the ductus arteriosus.

Other Paxil Birth Defects

Some other types of Paxil birth defects are listed below:

Legal Options

If you were on Paxil during your pregnancy and your child suffered from a heart condition, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney immediately to protect you interests. A Paxil Patient Advocate is available to speak with you anytime to find out more about your case. Call 1-800-554-4109 for more information.

 

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