January 5, 2012 — Maternal use of certain types of over-the-counter painkillers during the first trimester of pregnancy has been linked to rare birth defects, according to a new study. Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen have been linked to birth defects of the eyes and physical deformities, including spina bifida. Previous research has linked opioid painkillers (such as codeine, hydrocodone, Oxycontin, and others) to an increased risk of heart defects. If you have taken a pain medication during pregnancy and had a child with a birth defect, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the lawyers at The Schmidt Firm, LLP for a painkiller birth defect lawsuit.

The findings of the study of aspirin, ibuprofen, and Aleve found the following results:

• Babies were more than three times more likely to be born with birth defects of the eye — including no eyes, or abnormally small eyes that cause blindness. These defects are also known as anopthalmia and microphthalmia, and occur in one out of 5,300 live births in the U.S.
• Babies were three times more likely to develop amniotic band syndrome, which causes physical deformities including clubfoot. This deformity occurs in one out of 10,000 live births in the U.S.
• The risk of cleft lip or cleft palate rose by 30-80%
• The risk of spina bifida rose by 60%

The researchers who conducted the study interviewed women about their painkiller use over the phone. The findings were published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The researchers recommend that women take Tylenol for pain during pregnancy, because it is generally considered safe to use. Tylenol works through a different mechanism than aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (Aleve), which all belong to a class of drugs called NSAIDs.

If you have had a child with a birth defect after taking a Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, hydrocodone, Oxycontin, codeine, or other type of painkiller during pregnancy, you may be want to file a painkiller birth defect lawsuit. A lawyer at The Schmidt Firm, LLP can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Previous research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) studied the effect of opioid painkillers on a developing fetus. The CDC researchers used information from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, analyzing nearly 17,500 interviews of women who had babies with birth defects. The researchers found that 2.6% of the women reported using opioid painkillers during pregnancy, most commonly codeine and hydrocodone.

They found that the use of these opioid painkillers increased the risk of having a baby with congenital heart defects. The risk of hypoplastic left heart syndrome was more than twice as high. Other increases were found for spina bifida, congenital glaucoma, and hydrocephaly. These conditions can be life-threatening.

How do I contact a Lawyer for a Painkiller Birth Defect Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting painkiller-induced birth defect cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has had a child with a birth defect after taking a medication, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Painkiller Birth Defect Lawsuit Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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