Birth Defects Linked to Zofran
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved GlaxoSmithKline’s prescription drug, Zofran, to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Seeing a favorable response from cancer patients, Zofran became the leading treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women despite its effects during pregnancy never being adequately studied. In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline plead guilty to federal charges of fraud and illegal promotion of several drugs, including Zofran. Several lawsuits have now been filed against GlaxoSmithKline claiming that not only did Zofran have the potential to cause birth defects, but that GlaxoSmithKline was aware of the drug’s potentially dangerous side effects when used to treat pregnant women.
The lawsuits accuse GlaxoSmithKline of marketing the drug to expectant mothers, as well as, paying doctors to prescribe it to pregnant patients despite Zofran not being approved for use on pregnant women. Mothers who were prescribed Zofran for morning sickness and then delivered a child with birth defects may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation against GlaxoSmithKline. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. at (251) 343-1111 today for a free case evaluation. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide you with a consultation, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process.