Zofran Pregnancy Side Effects

There are some pregnancy symptoms that are tolerable. Then there are symptoms that a mom-to-be can do without. For example, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms don’t give a warning signal and can occur at the most inconvenient time. A mother who experience severe nausea and vomiting may find certain medications like Zofran like a miracle drug that helps reduce or temporarily eliminate nagging pregnancy symptoms. However, there is a major downside. Zofran has side effects that can be dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies.

There is nothing more devastating than discovering that a drug that you were prescribed, by your trusted doctor, may have harmful side effects for your child.

Zofran (Ondansetron) is a popular prescription drug for pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness (nausea and vomiting). This drug is prescribed for pregnant women after basic home remedies have failed. Unfortunately, many women have used this drug we’re not warned about the side effects. Until recently, studies have proven that Zofran has damaging side effects.

Originally, Zofran was used to treat vomiting and nausea in patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Patients with postoperative vomiting and nausea were also given this drug.

Zofran rapidly blocks serotonin, a natural chemical found within the body that causes vomiting and nausea. This drug comes in multiple forms, such as a tablet than instantly dissolves in the mouth, needle injections, and it can also be taken intravenously.

Zofran has dangerous side effects. Pregnant women who take this drug have a 30 Percent risk of birth defects. Additionally, women have a doubled risk of cleft palate and heart defects and in children, according to recent studies. Here are a few potential risks of taking Zofran while pregnant:

• Cleft palate or cleft lip
• Increased chances of Miscarriages
• Kidney malformations
• Musculoskeletal deformities
• Abnormal heart rhythm, holes in the heart, tachycardia, septal defects heart defects,
• Skeletal defects, disfigurement and abnormalities

Hundreds of women were prescribed this Category B drug, by doctors. Unfortunately, no one really knew the hidden side effects of this dangerous drug that was as originally prescribed for surgical procedures, radiation and chemotherapy.

The FDA gave a safety precaution about Zofran, including the generic brands, such as ondansetron hydrochloride and ondansetron, in 2011.

The FDA claimed that this drug could potentially amplify the risk of developing abnormalities in the activity or the electrical function of the heart. As a result, it could cause a abnormal heart rhythm that could be fatal.

GlaxoSmithKline, the drug manufacturer of Zofran, was eventually sued by the US Justice Department for misguided marketing, in 2012. The manufacturer didn’t reveal the deadly side effects.

If you have suffered from any dangerous side effects of this drug, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries or the injuries of an infant. You will need access to an aggressive yet compassionate medical malpractice attorney to fight for your legal rights.

Call Anzalone Law Firm PLLC for a free, no-obligation legal consultation at: 603.548.3797.