The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling pulmonary stenosis lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has pulmonary stenosis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and our law firm can help.
Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, PLLC 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.”
Pulmonary Stenosis: An Overview
Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) heart valve disorder that involves the pulmonary valve, which separates the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Stenosis occurs when the valve cannot open wide enough. The resulting pressure is much higher than normal in the right ventricle and the heart must work extra hard to pump blood out into the lung arteries. Over time this can cause damage to the overworked heart muscle.
What Causes Pulmonary Stenosis?
The following antidepressants are linked to the development of pulmonary stenosis 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)
Types of Pulmonary Stenosis
Four different varieties of pulmonary stenosis have been identified by the medical community. They include:
- Valvar Pulmonary Stenosis – The valve leaflets are thickened or narrowed.
- Supravalvar Pulmonary Stenosis – The pulmonary artery just above the pulmonary valve is narrowed and/or thickened.
- Subvalvar (infundibular) Pulmonary Stenosis – The muscle under the valve is thickened or narrowed, constricting the outflow tract from the right ventricle.
- Branch Peripheral Pulmonic Stenosis – The right or left pulmonary artery is narrowed or thickened.
Pulmonary valve stenosis symptoms vary, depending on the type and extent to which the valve is obstructed. Call your doctor immediately if your child experiences shortness of breath, fainting, or chest pain. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications greatly.
Do I Have a Pulmonary Stenosis Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting pulmonary stenosis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with pulmonary stenosis, 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.