Parents file birth defect lawsuit against Zoloft
January 27th, 2012 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
A group of parents have filed a lawsuit against the makers of Zoloft alleging the antidepressant caused their children severe birth defects. The lawsuit was filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Pfizer Inc.
According to the nine-count complaint, all female plaintiffs were prescribed Zoloft while they were pregnant and all children from these pregnancies were born with major medical defects, including heart defects. The plaintiffs allege Pfizer was aware the drugs could cause serious problems to developing fetuses but covered up the evidence.
Zoloft is in a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. They are among the most prescribed drugs in the United States and include other brand name drugs such as Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro and Prozac. All SSRIs are currently categorized as Category C pregnancy drugs except Paxil, which was recently downgraded to a Category D drug based on studies that showed a definite link between its use during pregnancy and birth defects.
The complaint cites several studies that SSRIs double the risk of heart defects in children. Based on those studies, the plaintiffs claim that Pfizer must have known that the drugs were dangerous to use during pregnancy. They allege that the drug lacked proper warnings that would have given parents and their doctors ample opportunity to weigh the drug’s risks against its benefits.
The parents accuse Pfizer of negligence, fraud, misrepresentation and a breach of implied warranties. They also claim that the drug company violated Consumer Protection Laws. The plaintiffs are asking for actual and compensatory damages.
PAXIL and PAXIL CR are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. ZOLOFT is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc. Celexa® is a registered trademark of Forest Labs. Lexapro® is a registered trademark of Forest Labs. Effexor® is a registered trademark of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
Source: Madison-St. Clair Record