An increase in continuous research and study has shown a link between the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) during pregnancy and a higher risk of birth defects in children. For expectant mothers, using Prozac or some other antidepressants during pregnancy could lead to multiple birth defects.

What to know

Recent research has tied SSRI’s to serious birth defects ranging from heart defects to neural tube defects. A major study conducted and published by the New England Journal of Medicine reported that women who take SSRI’s during pregnancy will endure a risk of having a child with heart defects four times greater than an infant whose mother did not take antidepressants.

FDA Warnings

The Food and Drug Administration has asked the manufacturers of Prozac and other SSRI antidepressants to alter the warning labels to include the possibility of birth defects in newborns as possible side effects of the drugs. Since 2006, the FDA has acknowledged the link between the use of SSRI’s such as Prozac during pregnancy and infants born with birth defects. They’ve worked to help update and keep additional information available with regards to the link between birth defects and the use of SSRI antidepressants.

Within the FDA’s pregnancy category system, certain drugs are reviewed and classified for the possible risks to a fetus. Prozac is currently classified as a Category C medicine, which means that research has shown a link between the use of the drug and effects to the fetus in animal studies. While Category C does account for a link between fetus effects in animals, it also means these drugs have yet to be tested on humans.  These drugs may still be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes the benefits will outweigh possible risks.

Birth Defects

Numerous birth defects have been tied to the use of Prozac; these include cleft palate, cleft lip, club feet, asthma, and limb reductions. Infants may also experience neural tube defects and breathing problems as a result of mothers using SSRI’s during pregnancy. In 2006, the FDA confirmed that there was a link between the use of Prozac and other SSRI’s during pregnancy with some cases of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). PPHN involves a severe restriction of the arteries and major pressure to the blood vessels in the lungs, sometimes resulting in rapid breathing and heart rates, as well as a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream and skin irritation.

Lawsuits

For those women who have taken Prozac or other SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and experienced some of the possible side effects, getting in contact with an attorney to discuss symptoms could be vital. The process can often be highly difficult with great levels of emotional strain. For those women who have given birth to infants with birth defects, this time can be even more difficult. With an increase in warnings and cases involving the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy, litigation against drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly has also increased. If a valid case can be presented, an attorney may be able to help hold manufacturers accountable, getting you the deserved compensation.