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Pendley, Baudin & Coffin, L.L.P. Pursuing EFFEXOR Birth Defect Cases Throughout the Country

 

Pendley, Baudin & Coffin, L.L.P. are pursuing EFFEXOR birth defect cases throughout the country.  Christopher Coffin and Nicholas Rockforte of Pendley, Baudin & Coffin, L.L.P. along with a number of attorneys filed the first birth defect case against EFFEXOR. The case alleges the death of an Ohio infant was directly related to her mother's ingestion of EFFEXOR.   

EFFEXOR is a popular and common drug used in the treatment of depression, it is also known as generic venlafaxine HCL.  The case declares a link between birth defects and the use of the anti-depressant drug which is a SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor).  EFFEXOR is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer, Inc.  Wolters Kluwer Health/United States, Inc. as the labelers and distributors of information about the drug are also listed on the complaint.

The FDA approved EFFEXOR in 1993, but the parties involved neglected to disclose the birth defect risks to physicians treating women of child bearing age.  Christopher Coffin of New Orleans, La., who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation throughout the country, states "It is likely that the defendants had evidence to the contrary of what was disseminated for public information."  On July 11, 2012 Mr. Coffin made a presentation on EFFEXOR birth defect litigation at the HB Litigation Conference in Philadelphia, Pa. on Zoloft and Birth Defects Litigation.  He provided attendees with information about the history of EFFEXOR and EFFEXOR XR, some of the legal issues involved in the cases, and the status of EFFEXOR birth defect cases currently filed in the United States.  Click here for an update.

Studies have shown that anti-depressants, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), have been known to increase the risk of serious side effects when taken during pregnancy.  This can result in serious birth defects, congenital abnormalities, or complications with pregnancy. Some of these defects include:

  • Heart (Cardiac) defects
  • Skull (Craniosynostosis) defect
  • Brain and spinal cord (Neural-tube) defects
  • Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
  • Abdominal wall defects (Infant Omphalocele)
  • Cleft lip and cleft palate
  • Complete or partial closure of the anus (Anal Atresia)
  • One or both feet turn downward and inward (Clubfoot)
  • Limb defects

Click the following links to read more about EFFEXOR and other anti-depressants and there link to birth defects:

If you took the antidepressant EFFEXOR during pregnancy and your baby was born with a birth defect, please contact our firm by filling out the Contact Us form below or call us at 1-888-725-2477.  Our experienced and successful pharmaceutical product liability legal team will make sure you are effectively represented.

 

Pharmaceutical Drugs