Prilosec and PPIs Associated with Birth Defects

Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been associated with birth defects, and women who are pregnant are being warned about using these drugs to control gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (or “acid reflux”) and other conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies Prilosec as a Category C drug, indicating harm to fetuses in animal trials.

GERD is a condition in which acid from the stomach washes up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and erosion to other organs. Prilosec, originally made by Proctor & Gamble, has fallen out of patent protection and is now available under other names and over the counter. Nexium, which is manufactured by AstraZeneca, must be prescribed by a doctor. It can be taken in a “purple pill” form or intraveneously.

Prilosec Birth Defects

Taking Prilosec during pregnancy has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage and anencephaly or hydrocephaly, two common neural birth defects. In anencephaly, the skull does not formed properly, and the baby usually dies soon after birth. In hydrocephaly, an accumulation of spinal fluid causes an enlargement of the head and a shrinkage of the brain.

Other birth defects associated with Prilosec include cardiac defects such as ventral and atrial septal defects, holes in the fetal heart, pulmonary hypertension, and kidney defects.

While some studies of women taking the heartburn drugs during pregnancy have been inconclusive, others have indicated that taking the drug in the weeks before conception results in an almost 40 percent greater chance of giving birth to a baby with these defects.

Prilosec Lawyers Bring Suits for Variety of Conditions

Lawyers have already pursued product liability and personal injury cases against the manufacturers of Prilosec for conditions including bone fractures, especially hip fractures in women, and cardiac problems in adults. Now they are bringing lawsuits based on these drugs causing birth defects.

If you or a loved one took Prilosec or other PPIs before or during pregnancy and gave birth to a baby with birth defects or lost a baby in miscarriage, you should contact one of Chaffin Luhana LLP’s Prilosec lawyers at 1-888-480-1123 immediately for a free and confidential case review today. You may be entitled to compensation, and the lawyers at Chaffin Luhana can help.