New evidence suggests that Zofran, a pill prescribed to pregnant women to help control "morning sickness," is potentially responsible for an increased risk of birth defects. (The birth defects being linked to Zofran include cleft palates/lips and/or heart defects.) And while there is always genuine when a bad drug is discovered to have infiltrated the market, this particular instance seems especially egregious because it affects a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, the penultimate symbol of innocence.
As details continue to emerge about the Zofran lawsuits that are expected to be filed, and the alleged dangers associated with the drug, there is one last fact of which some may be unaware: Zofran was prescribed "off-label."
Because the medication was prescribed off-label, it means that pregnant women were taking an anti-nausea pill that was never designed for them. In fact, it's sole purpose was to help alleviate the affects of patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or other surgical procedures.
The question plaintiffs attorneys are demanding an answer to on behalf of their clients is "Why?"
In some instances, drugs are promoted and prescribed for a symptom despite the fact that it may not be for the specific patient in which it was designed. Since Zofran did not have FDA approval to be used as an anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, it is believed that the drug falls into this category of aggressive marketing.
One of the central charges highlighted by the Zofran lawsuit is that the makers of the drug, GlaxoKlineSmith (GKS), had knowledge that there was a link between Zofran and birth defects. Further, according to court documents, GSK was in possession of this evidence since 1992.
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that the pharmaceutical manufacturer knew the following:
- Studies conducted on animals provided evidence that Zofran was unsafe for pregnant women.
- Zofran was able to penetrate placental barriers during pregnancy.
- GSK was notified of hundreds of instances of birth defects related to Zofran use.
The plaintiffs lawsuit also suggests that GSK not only willingly promoted the product for use by pregnant women experiencing morning sickness, the company also concealed data and birth defect reports from consumers and healthcare providers as well as failed to provide adequate warning of Zofran's potential dangers.
As women and families across the country continue to learn about the growing amount of evidence linking Zofran to birth defects, our firm expects to see a significant increase int he number of lawsuits that are filed, especially on behalf of mothers who gave birth to a baby with either a cleft palate and/or heart defect.
Keller & Keller is a multi-state law firm that has past experience in representing clients across the country who were injured and/or killed by a pharmaceutical company that manufactured harmful drugs. The fight against GSK is expected to be expensive and complicated. Put simply, dug lawsuits are never easy.
If you or someone you know took Zofran and believe a birth defect occurred as a result, we are offering a Zero Fee Guarantee to all potential clients. This means that we will never charge you for a consultation and the only way our firm is paid for its time is after we make a recovery from the Zofran drug manufacturer (GSK).
To speak to a Keller & Keller legal representative, dial 1-800-253-5537, or write to us with the details of your potential Zofran claim by using our free contact form.
