Important Update:

DrugSettlement.com, reports that a number of Paxil cases have been resolved in the Mass Tort Program in Philadelphia. Many lawyers have predicted that hundreds of cases may be settled in the coming year.

Paxil, which is also known by the chemical name paroxetine, is a widely prescribed antidepressant that has been used by millions of women for the treatment of general depression and anxiety disorders. After a series of studies were published showing that Paxil increased the risks of the development of congenital heart defects among newborns who were exposed during pregnancy, the FDA reclassified Paxil as a Pregnancy Category "D" drug. Category "D" is used when "there is positive evidence of human fetal risk".

No other SSRI or antidepressant other than Paxil, carries such a warning.

The epidemiological literature has found that women who used Paxil in the first trimester of pregnancy were more likely to have children born with congenital heart abnormalities. Those effected includechildren born with pulmonary atresia, pulmonary stenosis, atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects and other life threatening conditions.

Side Effects for Paxil babies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Heart Birth Defects (Pulmonary Stenosis, Pulmonary Atresia, Atrial or Ventricular Septal Defects, Murmurs, etc)
• Lung Birth Defects (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension)
• Craniosynostosis (resulting in an abnormally shaped head)
• Abdominal Birth Defects (Omphalocele)
• Cranial Birth Defects (Craniosynostosis)

Usage:

Paxil (Paroxetine or paroxetine hydrochloride) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It was released in 1992 by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline and has since become one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market due to its apparent efficacy in treating depression as well as a spectrum of anxiety disorders ranging from panic attacks to phobias.

Litigation:

Attorneys from across the nation are pursuing cases against GlaxoSmithKline "GSK" the manufacturer of Paxil The vast majority of cases have been filed in Philadelphia. Cases are also pending in various federal courts. On October 13, 2009 a jury awarded 2.5 million dollars to the family of a child who was born with a serious heart defect caused by exposure to Paxil during pregnancy. GSK has chosen not to proceed to trial on any other cases to date.

If you or someone you know had a child who was born with a congenital heart defect or other birth defect, and the child was exposed to Paxil (paroxetine) during pregnancy, they may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us today to learn whether your child can be compensated.

Make sure to contact our experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable DrugSettlement.com birth defects lawyers by using our contact form or call the number above.