Heart Problems Associated with Zofran

Last week we discussed kidney problems associated with the use of the anti-nausea drug Zofran, but there are several types of birth injury your child can suffer due to the medication.

shutterstock_221141452

A 2013 study conducted on children exposed to Zofran during the mother’s pregnancy found a two-fold increase in the risk of congenital heart defects. These studies included 900,000 babies, the largest research study conducted yet on Zofran’s effects on fetuses.

Types of Heart Defect Associated with Zofran Use during the First Trimester

  • Atrial Septal Defect: this condition is characterized by an opening in the tissue separating the upper-left and upper-right atria of the heart. This opening can cause long-term damage to the baby’s heart and could require surgery, in some cases multiple surgeries.
  • Ventricular Septal Defect: Like the above condition, this condition involves a hole in the heart connecting the lower-left and lower-right chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles. This defect allows oxygen-rich blood to travel back through the heart, where it is sent to the lungs and reoxygenated. The heart is forced to work harder when a baby is born with this condition, leading to long-term complications.
  • Heart murmur: Murmurs are heartbeat abnormalities that can signify underlying heart conditions that can be detrimental to a baby’s survival.

Childbirth is stressful enough without the added worry of preventable heart conditions. If you took Zofran in the first trimester of your pregnancy and your child suffered heart defects, you could pursue damages against pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Contact a birth injury lawyer today to discuss options for you and your child.

Farrell & PatelBirth Injury Law Firm



Tags: