Zofran (Ondansetron) is designed to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and cancer surgery, as well as for treating gastroenteritis. It was approved for medical use by the FDA in 1991, and become commonly prescribed off-label to treat morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Several studies have found an association between the use of Zofran during the first trimester of pregnancy and a number of birth defects.
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you in Phoenix have significant experience in helping clients who have been affected by improper use of Zofran. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or you can read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way.
The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people.
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When Was Zofran Recalled?
In 2012 the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, paid a $2 billion civil settlement after the Department of Justice alleged that they had illegally promoted Zofran as a solution for morning sickness and other nausea problems associated with pregnancy, something the drug was not approved for.
The drug in its 32mg dose form was ordered to be withdrawn by the FDA December 6th, 2012.
Is Zofran Linked to Birth Defects?
A 2006 study showed that Zofran could cross the placental barrier and potentially impact a growing fetus, and there have been further studies since that have established that taking the drug, especially in the first trimester, could increase the risk of birth defects.
This includes a 2012 comparative study that looked at birth data showed that Zofran was associated with a potential increased risk of a number of neural tube birth defects.
These include:
- Cleft Palate
- Cleft Lip
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
- Neural Tube Defects
- Musculoskeletal Deformities
Why was Zofran Taken off the Market?
The Drug Safety Commission, DSC, found evidence that the drug had the potential to cause serious and, in some cases, fatal cardiac damage. In addition, concern was raised about a significantly higher instance of birth defects for women who had used the drug during pregnancy.
Do I Qualify for a Zofran Lawsuit?
Women who took Zofran during early pregnancy, and subsequently gave birth to a baby with birth defects might be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Although Zofran has been taken off the market, it may be too late for many of the people who took the drug. People who gave birth to children with birth defects after taking Zofran deserve justice, and the attorneys at Phoenix Injury and Accident Law Firm near you are here to help you achieve it.
What Can You Recover from a Zofran Lawsuit?
Those who file a lawsuit and are awarded a settlement may recover the cost of the medical bills incurred during the cancer treatment. In addition, they may recover lost earnings from being unable to work, emotional damages, pain and suffering, and other financial costs that have been incurred.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A lawyer can help establish if you have a case against the manufacturer of Zofran for costs and damages and bring that action to court on your behalf.
If you’ve suffered from negative side effects from Zofran, Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you can help you seek compensation. We work on a contingency basis; we don’t get paid unless you get paid. When you’re ready to move forward with your claim, please contact our office, conveniently located in your area.
Leveraging our 20+ years of winning claims against goliath insurance companies, we know how to move heaven and earth to get you fairly compensated for your unbearable loss. We know that only then will you be able to close this painful chapter and start a new one, stronger and bolder than before. Not only can we assist you with drug recall cases but we also handle other medical malpractice suits such as DePuy Hip Implant cases.
