Cipralex Lawsuit Links PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) to SSRI Use
SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs affect the neurotransmitters used to send signals between brain cells. Cipralex, a type of SSRI, works on a specific neurotransmitter called serotonin by preventing the reuptake of this chemical in the brain. This action seems to improve mood. If taken during pregnancy, however, this drug may cause Cipralex birth defects, particularly heart defects.
Cipralex Lawsuit Details
Cipralex lawsuit cases allege that use of this SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) increases the risk of PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension), a disorder that constricts the arteries that deliver blood to the lungs. This reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. Cipralex may also increase the risk for giving birth to an infant with a heart defect or skull defect.
Cipralex Heart Defects
Cipralex may increase the risk for more than a dozen heart defects.
- Pulmonary atresia
- Transposition of the great vessels
- Hole in the heart
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Truncus arteriosus
- Double aortic arch
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Tricuspid atresia
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Double outlet right ventricle
- Double inlet left ventricle
An experienced Cipralex lawyer can help families affected by these birth defects.
Cipralex Abdominal Defect and Cranial Defect
In addition to heart defects, Cipralex also has the potential to cause other congenital medical problems like the following:
- Abdominal wall malformation
- Clubfoot
- Limb malformation
- Carniosynostosis
- Pulmonary stenosis
PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) Symptoms
Infants with PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension) have difficulty breathing, which may cause grunting and flared nostrils. The lack of oxygen in the blood creates a blue tint to the skin. Infants with this condition may also experience rapid heart rate and rapid breathing.
PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) Treatment
Because treating PPHN is so costly, a successful Cipralex lawsuit may make the difference between struggling to pay medical bills and having the financial resources needed to give your child the best care available. Children with PPHN may need a major surgery called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) if medications and other treatments fail.
Risks of Cipralex Birth Defects
The SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drug class has been linked to heart and lung birth defects. One study indicated that fetal exposure to SSRI drugs during the first trimester increased the risk of birth defects by 60 percent when compared to newborns whose mothers did not take these drugs during pregnancy.
If you took Cipralex during pregnancy and your child developed PPHN or another birth defect, contact one of Chaffin Luhana’s experienced Cipralex lawyers. Call 1-888-480-1123 immediately for a confidential consultation.
