Zofran, the brand name for Ondansetron, is a drug designed to treat extreme nausea. While it is especially effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, Zofran has also been marketed “off-label” as a safe treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. However, the drug was never approved by the FDA for this use, and in 2012, GlaxoSmithKline pled guilty to criminal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Despite its lack of FDA approval, many doctors continue to prescribe Zofran to pregnant women. So far, there have been hundreds of reports of birth defects linked to use of the drug. In spite of these reports, GSK has not performed any clinical studies on the safety or effectiveness of the product for uses other than its original intended purpose, nor have they updated their labeling to reflect the increased risk of serious birth defects if used during pregnancy. In fact, recent studies have found that the risk of congenital heart defects is nearly doubled in newborns whose mothers ingested the drug.
Has Your Child Suffered a Birth Defect from a Dangerous Drug?
Birth defects can be devastating and can have permanent effects on the rest of your child’s life. As a parent, you have the right to pursue justice after being misled by doctors and drug companies. The highly-skilled attorneys at our nationally-recognized law firm are prepared to review your case during a free consultation. We may be able to help you obtain the compensation you both need and deserve to ensure the future of your child’s medical care and wellbeing.
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