Women who take the antidepressant Effexor (venlafaxine) during pregnancy may have a greater risk of having a baby with a birth defect. If you were not aware of this risk, you are not alone — over 50 lawsuits have already been filed.
What is Effexor?
Effexor (venlafaxine), a prescription antidepressant medication, is Pregnancy Category C. This means the FDA believes it can potentially cause birth defects, but doctors may still prescribe Effexor to a pregnant woman. It belongs to the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class of antidepressants.
What is the problem?
The problem with Effexor is that several studies have linked the use of antidepressants during pregnancy to an increased risk of birth defects. Although a causal connection has not been established, a study published in January 2013 specifically linked Effexor to the following birth defects:
Effexor Class Action Lawsuit Information
There are over 50 Effexor lawsuits involving birth defects that are pending in federal court. These cases are not part of an Effexor class action lawsuit. Instead, they are individual lawsuits that have been centralized into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The litigation is overseen by Judge Cynthia M. Rufe, who also presides over 500 lawsuits involving Zoloft birth defects in the same court.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Effexor Class Action
Class actions are useful when a large number of people have a very similar legal claim. However, they can have disadvantages for plaintiffs with severe injuries. Members are often forced to accept a blanket “low-ball settlement” and higher attorneys’ fees.
Instead of a class action, our trial attorneys file individual lawsuits. We help each of our clients pursue maximum financial compensation and justice. We understand that birth defects are some of the most severe, life-threatening side effects that a medication can cause. There is no excuse for drug-makers who fail to adequately warn about this risk.
If your child was injured by Effexor, contact us today. If you file a lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your child’s pain and suffering, medical expenses (past and future), disability, and more.
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
