The antidepressant Pristiq has been shown to cause severe birth defects including persistent pulmonary hypertension, cardiac septal defects, cleft lip and palete, anal atresia (closure of the anus), neural tube defects (such as spina bifada),
clubfoot, and omphalocele (ruptured abdominal wall). These injuries can have a catasrophic and permanent impact on the affected child and may result in permanent injury, disfigurement, or death. Many infants are forced to undergo invasive
and extremely expensive corrective procedures.
Pristiq is in a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin Nonrepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs and SSRIs work by slowing the brain's reabsorption of serotonin and nonrepinephrine, two naturally-produced
chemicals which regulate mood-related hormones. By inhiniting reabsorption, SNRI and SSRI drugs cause the chemicals to stay between the neural synapses for a longer period of time, theoretically leading to mood elevation. Unfortunately,
many mothers were told that these drugs were safe to take during pregnancy.
If you or a family member took Pristiq while pregnant and gave birth to an infant with severe birth defects you may be entitled to compensation. For more information about your legal rights,
please please
contact one of our experienced Pristiq litigation attorneys for a free and confidential consultation.