Zoloft Under Scrutiny in Birth Defect Lawsuit

Ryan and Justyne Eaton, have filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Pfizer, Inc. makers of the prescription drug Zoloft.  The complaint alleges that the drug, which Justyne Eaton took to treat her depression during pregnancy, caused severe brain and lung defects in the couple’s newborn girl and ultimately caused her death.

Zoloft is a type of antidepressant known as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (“SSRI”).  SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which in turn boosts mood.  Despite being the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, the Mayo Clinic reports that use of SSRIs during the last half of pregnancy has been associated with lung problems and heart defects in newborns.

The FDA has chosen not to recall SSRI medications, despite these known complications, because they feel the benefits associated with these drugs outweigh the risks.  In December 2011, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication stating, “given the conflicting results from different studies, it is premature to reach any conclusion about a possible link between SSRI use in pregnancy and PPHN… a rare heart and lung condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.”  Complications such as those experienced by the Eatons persist despite the “FDA advis[ing] health care professionals not to alter their current clinical practice of treating depression during pregnancy.”

The Eatons are not alone.  In all, over 270 birth defect lawsuits have been consolidated and are set to go to trial this year.  The various lawsuits allege counts against Pfizer and other drug manufacturers for failure to warn, strict product liability, negligence, fraud, defective design, breach of warranties, and wrongful death.

If you or someone you know took an SSRI during pregnancy and gave birth to a baby with serious birth defects, you may be entitled to compensation.  Please contact Khorrami, LLP for a confidential consultation.