Pregnant women must consider the effects of the medications they take on their child, but determining the risks isn’t always simple. One example is the risk of antidepressant birth defects among many popular prescription depression treatments.
A study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that women who take Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)—a type of antidepressant—after the 20th week of pregnancy have a six times higher chance of having babies who suffer from persistent pulmonary hypertension. This can cause problems with blood flow that can prevent the child’s body from absorbing enough oxygen.
To help pregnant women better understand which drugs are safe for their children, WKRN 2 News reports the FDA is making changes to medication labels. Beginning next summer, drug manufacturers will have to include information on the safety of a medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This will include data whether the drug was tested on humans or animals.
This could significantly reduce the number of children who suffer birth defects caused by medications, considering women take an average of three to five prescription drugs during pregnancy.
At Ponce Law, we’ve seen the devastating results some medications can have on unborn children, and we’re here to help if you or a loved one has suffered such harm. Our Nashville personal injury lawyers are here to help protect your legal rights. To learn more about how we can assist you, feel free to call us anytime at 615-285-6599.