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Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling tetralogy of fallot lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has tetralogy of fallot, 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.”

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): An Overview

TOF is a common congenital (present at birth) cyanotic heart defect which is the most common cause of blue baby syndrome. The condition causes mixing of oxygen-poor blood with the oxygen-rich blood being pumped out of the heart and into the circulatory system of blood vessels. Tetralogy of fallot is characterized by the following heart defects:

  • A ventricular septal defect (VSD)
  • Pulmonary stenosis / atresia
  • Right ventricular hypertrophy
  • An overriding aorta

Depending on the severity of the defects and symptoms, TOF is often diagnosed during infancy or soon after. Newborn babies with tetralogy of fallot usually have blue-tinged skin because their blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen.

Which Antidepressants are Linked to Tetralogy of Fallot?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of tetralogy of fallot 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)

Tetralogy of Fallot Repair

Unfortunately, TOF must be repaired with open-heart surgery soon after birth or later in infancy. The goal of tetralogy of fallot surgery is to repair the four defects so the heart can work as normally as possible. Luckily, repairing these congenital defects can greatly improve a child’s health and quality of life.

Do I Have a Tetralogy of Fallot Lawsuit?

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