Pregnancy and Paxil Birth Defects
Paxil – Category D
Paxil is an antidepressant that was once prescribed regularly. This is no longer the case. After trials and case studies were conducted, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up in December, 2005. They released a statement detailing the issues that surround Paxil. Paxil can be a dangerous drug to take, given its rather adverse side effects. These side effects could include development of a depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, a panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. But Paxil is not just a drug that has these adverse side effects; it is a drug that can be detrimental to a fetus of a woman in her first trimester.
Trials have shown that women who have taken Paxil give birth to babies that have heart issues or other birth defects. Consequently, the FDA has warned care givers that they should not allow women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant to take Paxil. The FDA does note, however, that there may be circumstances where a female patient may need to take Paxil. The FDA continues this fact stating that even in this situation, the medical professional should warn their patients of all the health risks of taking Paxil, especially to their pregnant patients. To reinforce the severity of health risks to an unborn fetus, the FDA asked Paxil’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to change the pregnancy category from C to D.
If you are pregnant and are taking Paxil, this does not mean you should stop taking Paxil right away. You need to consult with a medical professional immediately to find out what the best plan would be to stop taking this drug. If you stop taking Paxil immediately, it may cause an adverse reaction to you or your fetus.
Paxil Attorneys
The news is out and many patients who take or have taken Paxil are concerned. Their concerns are valid, and Paxil attorneys are used to dealing with them. If you have taken Paxil, contact a Paxil attorney. Paxil attorneys have the knowledge of what legal issues and health concerns surround taking Paxil. They can evaluate your situation and determine what would be prudent to do next.
The Paxil birth defect lawyers at Williams Kherkher welcome your call. They will sit with you for a free initial consultation in order to evaluate your situation. Upon scheduling your first appointment, be prepared to answer any preliminary questions that will allow both you and your attorney to better prepare for your potential lawsuit.
