Anal Atresia Congenital Birth Defects in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy
The Schmidt Firm, LLP is actively handling anal atresia lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has anal atresia, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and our law firm can help.
Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”
What is Anal Atresia?
Anal atresia (also commonly referred to as ‘imperforate anus’) is a congenital birth defect in which the opening to the anus is either missing or completely blocked. At least 60% of newborns with the condition have other defects, including problems with the esophagus, urinary tract, and bones. When a baby is born with anal atresia, it is usually detected quickly as it is a very obvious defect. Occasionally, however, anal atresia is missed until the baby is fed and signs of intestinal obstruction appear.
Which Antidepressants Have Been Linked to Anal Atresia?
The following antidepressants are linked to the development of anal atresia in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:
- Paxil (Paroxetine)
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Anal Atresia Treatment
Immediate surgical treatment will be needed in almost every case of anal atresia. Surgery is used to reconnect the abnormal bowel, create an anal opening, dilate a constricted anus or create a colostomy. Luckily, the outcome for children born with anal atresia is excellent if treated in a timely manner. For those who have a poor outcome from the initial surgery, further surgery is needed to better establish the angle between the anus and the rectum, which may improve continence and bowel control for the patient.
Do I Have an Anal Atresia Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting anal atresia cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with anal atresia, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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