Of course, all medications have risks associated with them. However, the vast majority of drugs on the market in the United States are safe enough to be taken during pregnancy. But there are several that are known to cause considerable problems and serious birth injury. In these cases, the negligent prescribing physician and possibly the drug manufacturer could be held liable for trauma sustained by your baby. Dangerous drugs that have been linked to these birth defects include:
Some anti-depressants/anti-anxiety meds including paxil and zoloft
Some birth control such as Yaz and Ortho Evra
Some acne medications like accutane or Retin-A
Certain antibiotics such as Sulfonamides, Chloramphenicol or Streptomycin
Seizure medications like Trimethadione, Phenytoin and Carbamazepine
Anti-thyroid drugs including Methimazole and Propylthiouracil
Certain vaccines, large doses of anti-inflammatory medicines and even some life-saving drugs as well as over-the-counter medications have been known to have harmful effects on newborn babies. If you are taking any of these medications, and find out you are pregnant, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor right away about whether or not you should stop taking them. Do not make these important decisions on your own.
If your doctor prescribes one of these medications while you are pregnant or fails to remove you from one of the problem medications once you become pregnant, he or she may be guilty of medical malpractice. This type of negligent behavior can lead to serious infant birth defects, including:
Heart defects
Brain injuries or long-term development problems
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
Respiratory problems
If you believe that your infant has sustained an injury as a result of medication you took during your pregnancy, contact our firm today.
