Heart Defects Related to Zoloft Cited

A recent lawsuit filed by a plaintiff who claims her child suffered from serious birth defects related to the popular antidepressant Zoloft has joined litigation amongst a number of similar claims. The lawsuit, filed by Jade and Jason Byington, claims that their daughter Sadie Byington was affected seriously by heart defects caused by Jade’s use of the antidepressant during her pregnancy. The couple, who filed their lawsuit on July 19, 2012, in the United States’ District Court for the Southern District of New York, is holding drug maker Pfizer accountable for the side effects the child must deal with for the rest of her life.

Multiple heart defects listed

According to the lawsuit, Sadie, who was born on October 14, 2003, was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and coarctation of the aorta, all of which are birth defects resulting from Zoloft. The lawsuit claims that the child has been subjected to ongoing medical fair and that she has been “deprived of living a normal childhood and life” because of her serious conditions.

The lawsuit claims that Pfizer knew of the risks associated with the use of Zoloft during pregnancy and failed to warn patients even as the use of the drug during pregnancy continued to increase. Furthermore, the plaintiffs allege, Pfizer continues to market the medication to pregnant women, despite evidence of potential risks. By 2005, the medication had become the most prescribed antidepressant in the United States, with around $3.3 billion in sales netted by drug maker Pfizer. Although the FDA issued a warning about possible birth defects, particularly heart defects, in 2005, this was too late for some patients, who had already taken the medication during pregnancy with serious consequences.

Zoloft settlements sought

Parents of children born suffering from serious birth defects after the mother took Zoloft during her pregnancy might choose to file Zoloft lawsuits in the hopes of winning compensation from drug maker Pfizer, who many hold accountable for these life-threatening conditions.

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