Several lawsuits are mounting against GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK) who are the makers of the anti-nausea drug, Zofran. Furthermore, Zofran is typically prescribed to cancer patients and people who have recently had surgery, yet sometimes it has been given to pregnant patients although it is unsafe to do so. Likewise, although the FDA has not approved Zofran for safe use during pregnancy, GSK has continued to promote it to physicians. The pharmaceutical giants have also been alleged to offer monetary compensation to doctors who push the unsafe drug to pregnant patients and have paid millions in fines for doing so.
One mother claims Zofran use during her first trimester caused her son to have tachycardia, which is a condition caused by improper electrical activity in the heart, thus causing a rapid heartbeat. Although tachycardia is not potentially life threatening, it can cause unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting, which will follow the child, the remainder of his life.
Since 1992, GSK received over 200 complaints from women that have taken Zofran while pregnant and have had babies with birth defects. In 2012, research found that when Zofran is used during the first trimester there is an increased risk of cleft palate. Studies in Denmark also indicate that Zofran use during pregnancy also increases the risk of major congenital heart defects as well. Sadly, GSK has ignored all such warnings, and continued to market Zofran as safe for use during pregnancy.
Now, with mounting evidence of how unsafe Zofran use during pregnancy is, there are many lawsuits now pending against GSK for negligence. The lawsuits allege the company failed to provide warnings of the risk of birth defects associated with prenatal exposure to Zofran. GSK also faces product liability counts, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of warranties.
If you or your child were harmed from Zofran use, the skilled St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth can help. Our experienced attorneys are currently representing Zofran cases, and can help you receive the fair financial compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for a free consultation.