The Schmidt Firm, LLP is actively handling truncus arteriosus lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has truncus arteriosus, 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 Truncus Arteriosus?

Truncus arteriosus is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect that first appears as the heart begins to develop. The condition occurs when the aorta and the pulmonary artery fail to separate, leaving one large embryonic vessel that stems from both ventricles. The large artery, known as the truncus arteriosus, has one valve that carries blood from both ventricles. A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is another congenital heart condition commonly accompanying truncus arteriosus that is characterized by a hole in the wall (septum) between the ventricles. VSDs allow oxygen-poor (blue) and oxygen-rich (red) blood to mix back and forth, which causes varying degrees of cyanosis (blue color of the skin, lips and nailbeds) due to the lack of oxygen in the blood.

What Causes Truncus Arteriosus?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of truncus arteriosus 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)

Truncus Arteriosus Types

To date, two types of truncus arteriosus have been identified by the medical community. According to Van Praagh and Van Praagh, the condition can be classified into two types based on the presence (type A) or absence (type B) of a ventricular septal defect (VSD), with type B being considerably more rare.

Do I Have a Truncus Arteriosus Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting truncus arteriosus cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with truncus arteriosus, 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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