Birth Defects Caused by Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride)

Sertraline hydrochloride, a popular antidepressant sold by Pfizer under the brand name Zoloft, has been linked to various birth defects when taken by expectant mothers. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), cleft lip, heart defects and other birth defects have been associated with Zoloft. These may have a serious impact on a child and an entire family, potentially requiring extensive medical treatment and continued care and resulting in a limited life for a child.

If your son or daughter was born with a congenital defect and you took Zoloft while pregnant, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. A pharmaceutical litigation lawyer at our firm can review the situation to determine how to move forward with a case. We handle lawsuits related to dangerous prescription drugs and defective medical devices of all kinds and have been able to recover hundreds of millions of dollars for the injured through our time in practice. If you would like additional information about our services and your options in regard to a Zoloft lawsuit, we welcome you to call for a free consultation.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

One of the most serious birth defects that may be associated with Zoloft is persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, or PPHN. This serious condition occurs when a newborn's system does not properly adapt to breathing outside the womb. As a result, the newborn may not receive enough oxygen in the bloodstream and to his or her organs. PPHN is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

Other Zoloft Birth Defects

Zoloft has also been linked to the following birth defects:

Omphalocele – this abdominal birth defect occurs when an infant's intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button.
Anal atresia – this birth defect occurs when an infant is born without an anus or with an anus or rectum that is blocked or closed.
Heart defects – when a baby's heart is not fully developed or does not function properly, this can lead to serious complications and long-term problems for the child.
Cleft lip – cleft lip, or cleft palate, is a facial birth defect that affects the upper lip and roof of the mouth. The defect occurs when the tissue that forms the palate and upper lip fail to join properly when the fetus is developing.
Clubfoot – this is a deformity of the leg and foot where the foot is turned inward and downward. It may affect one or both feet.
Craniosynostosis – the sutures in an infant's skull typically remain flexible during the first few years of life, allowing the brain of a child to grow. When one or more of these sutures harden prematurely, this may signify the birth defect of craniosynostosis.
Neural tube defects – these birth defects affect the brain and spinal cord. These defects occur when the embryonic neural tube of an embryo fails to close completely. This may lead to physical and/or mental disabilities.

Working with a Zoloft Injury Attorney

Nothing is quite as traumatizing as seeing one's child ill or injured. To add to the emotional trauma you are already experiencing as a parent, you may find that you are struggling to pay medical bills so you can properly care for your child. In these matters, seeking financial compensation may be your best option to provide a better future for your son or daughter.

For a free consultation, contact a Zoloft injury attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP.