Personal InjuryEffexor: Dangerous Defects and Side Efects
Effexor, a prescription used to treat depression and other mood disorders, has become a well-known poster child for products liability cases. Studies have shown that the use of Effexor can lead to a series of debilitating health complications including birth defects. This hasn't been the first time that an anti-depressive medication has caused life-threatening side effects, but that has not consoled consumers who now feel betrayed by a company that they felt could be trusted.
This product defect is licensed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, and a variety of anxiety disorders. Fortunately, not every person that has been prescribed this medication has experienced horrible side-effects, but the number of victims who have is evidence that the manufacturer did not spend sufficient time testing to ensure the product's safety.
FDA Acknowledges Effexor Threat
The FDA, Federal Drug and Food Administration, has not always been known to acknowledge every dangerous defective product, but in the case of Effexor, a clear and powerful statement has been made. In July of '06, the FDA announced the results of their recent study focusing on the use of medications similar to Effexor during pregnancy by mothers of babies born with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension. The results were shocking, displaying a clear possibility of the use of Effexor being directly related to severe birth defects. Mothers who took medications similar to Effexor twenty weeks or later into their pregnancy were six times more likely to give birth to a child with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension than those who did not.
Effexor Side Effects
What makes Effexor XR so dangerous is the possible life-threatening effects it can have on one's fetus. Countless mothers across the country have had to cope with the pain of giving birth to a child with defects, knowing that it could have easily been avoided had Effexor's manufacturers spent the time to fully test their product. The following are birth defects that have been linked to Effexor and other antidepressants.
- Cardiac Arrhythmia, abnormal electrical activity in the heart
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hepatitis
- Pancreatitis
- Valve problems
- Heart murmur
- Atrial Septal Defects (ASD)
Being a victim of a dangerous defective product is a difficult burden to bear. Many victims feel lost, and that they have no one to turn to. As is the case with any health complication, your number one priority should be to contact your primary care physician as soon as possible. Make sure to fully disclose your symptoms and any disturbing thoughts that you may be having. Your road to recovery starts with you.
Los Angeles Product Defect Attorneys
If you or a loved one feels that they are experiencing negative side effects from Effexor, contact one of our experienced Los Angeles products liability attorneys for a free evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
Please call 800-561-4887 to receive a free consultation. The call is free, but the advice may be priceless.
(click on icons for more information)
SLS Consulting
