Zofran

Zofran (ondansetron) is prescribed to prevent, or reduce, nausea and vomiting that may result when receiving cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, as well as surgery, and the use of other medication.

In certain instances, Zofran has been prescribed to pregnant women in their first trimester to treat morning sickness, without FDA approval (known as off-label use). Despite resounding evidence that Zofran exponentially increases the chances of a child being born with a birth defect, GlaxoSmithKline continued to market Zofran to doctors to prescribe to their pregnant patients. Zofran is currently classified as a category B drug during pregnancy, despite the lack of evidence providing its safety for use. There is also a potential, unknown risk that Zofran may have an adverse effect on a pregnant mother’s breast milk.

Zofran Side Effects

Zofran can be prescribed for two reasons: 1) to prevent, or reduce, nausea and vomiting that may be caused when receiving treatment for cancer, and; 2) mitigate morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. Zofran, especially in the latter, does exhibit side effects, which include:

• Fast or irregular heart beat
• Difficulty swallowing and/or breathing
• Painful urination
• Confusion and/or dizziness
• Weakness

For mothers taking Zofran during their pregnancy, the most side effects may not be known until the child’s birth. Zofran is believed to be the cause of serious child birth defects such as:

• Cleft Lip
• Cleft Palate
• Being born with one kidney
• Limb deformities
• Spina Bifida
• Congenital Heart defects, such as Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and Hyperplastic left heart syndrome)

Why Consider Bringing a Zofran Case

If you took Zofran and your baby sustained a birth defect, you may have a substantial product defect case against the manufacturer of Zofran. In order to achieve a successful resolution in a defective drug case, like Zofran, you need an experienced attorney specializing in dangerous drugs who will investigate, evaluate, and pursue claims that involve the complexities of a dangerous drug claim. The attorneys associated with Jacoby & Meyers are among the nation’s leaders in handling these kind of cases.

Drug manufacturers are responsible with providing drugs that are safe and effective for the prescribed treatment. When those obligations are not met—especially when the risks of adverse harm is not fully and properly disclosed—the drug manufacturer may be found financial responsible for the injuries sustained by a patient (or her child) using the drug.

Contact our defective drug lawyers today, to schedule your free initial consultation to review your possible claim for damages. Jacoby & Meyers can assist you no matter where you are located, or where the injury occurred.