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Lexapro Birth Defect Litigation

INCREASED PULMONARY HYPERTENSION OF NEWBORNS
Known generically as escitalopram, Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressant manufactured by Forest Laboratories. An updated version of Celexa, Lexapro was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 to treat patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder and general anxiety.*

In December 2011, the FDA released a safety update on Lexapro and its link to congenital birth defects, specifically persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

There exist two studies, both of which were cited by the FDA in their 2011 safety announcement, that reveal a strong association between the use of an SSRI, like Lexapro, during pregnancy and PPHN in newborn children. One of the studies was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006, and recorded a six fold increase in PPHN in children exposed to SSRI anti-depressants in the womb.

The second study was published in 2008 by Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Safety, and documented findings similar to the 2006 study.

Lexapro & Birth Defects

When used during pregnancy, one of the congenital birth defects linked to Lexapro is persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). This health condition affects a newborn baby’s ability to properly oxygenate his or her body. In a child with PPHN, blood does not flow through the lungs, and thus circulates through the body devoid of proper oxygen levels. In more serious cases, PPHN has been known to cause organ and brain damage.

Carey Danis & Lowe is Here to Help

Carey Danis & Lowe is a national law firm based in St. Louis that represents victims of defective drugs, including Lexapro. If your child was born with congenital birth defects, such as PPHN, after being exposed to Lexapro in the womb, Carey Danis & Lowe is available to assist you and your family in seeking legal recourse.

Discuss your case and explore your legal options with a Carey Danis & Lowe Lexapro birth defect lawyer. Our initial consultations are free.

Carey Danis & Lowe Lexapro lawyers have years of experience in managing personal injury claims and pharmaceutical litigation involving defective drugs. To develop strong court cases, we work closely alongside our team of medical experts and on-staff nurses, as well as our clients.

For more information about Lexapro and birth defects, and for assistance with filing a Lexapro birth defects lawsuit, contact Carey Danis & Lowe by phone at 800.721.2519, or by completing a confidential personal injury claim.

Stay current on Lexapro birth defects lawsuits by reading the Carey Danis & Lowe personal injury litigation blog.

*We are no longer actively seeking new Lexapro cases. We will continue to work on cases that are already in our office as well as take cases referred to us by attorneys and physicians in the future.

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