Lexapro and other SSRIs, such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, have all been linked to numerous side effects. Some of the side effects are mild and include problems such as dry mouth, nausea, dizziness and sexual dysfunction.

Some of the side effects presented dangers to a specific group of people. For example, studies found that SSRIs like Lexapro could actually increase the occurrence of suicidal thoughts, particularly when used by children, teens and young adults.

Most recently, researchers have found that using Lexapro during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of babies being born with certain birth defects.

Most Common Types of Lexapro Birth Defects

Atrial and ventricular septal defects occur when the wall in the heart that separates the right and left sides of the atria and ventricles has an opening or hole in it. This opening allows oxygen-poor blood from one side of the heart to merge with oxygen-rich blood on the other, resulting in decreased oxygen in the lungs and lung pressure.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn is a critical condition that occurs when a newborn’s body does not make the natural transition to breathing air through the lungs upon birth. Immediate medical treatment, including mechanical breathing machines, may be used to prevent complications from oxygen deprivation or death.

Craniosynostosis occurs when the sutures that are attached to the baby’s skull fuse prematurely, not allowing the brain enough space to develop. Doctors may perform surgery or use helmets to try to reposition the skull. Because the brain may not have the necessary space, children with craniosynostosis may have developmental delays, abnormally shaped heads and cranial pressure.

Spina bifida can be found when the spinal column does not close completely and portions of the spine protrude. Depending on the severity of the condition, spina bifida can be mild or can cause paralysis, chronic pain and developmental delays.

Omphaloceles are openings in the abdominal wall that allow organs to protrude through the umbilical opening. Surgery is usually necessary to reposition the organs. Babies born with omphaloceles may need repeated surgeries to allow the stomach time to grow before re-inserting the organs. Children with omphaloceles may continue to have eating and digestive problems.

If you used Lexapro or another SSRI during pregnancy, and your child was born with a birth defect, the medication you used could be the cause. We are currently investigating Lexapro lawsuit 2011 claims for families who believe the manufacturers of these drugs should be held accountable for the damage they have caused. If you would like more information on how these claims may affect you, we invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. There is currently no national Lexapro lawsuit class action and we are representing individual families in bringing claims on behalf of their child.

A recent study, conducted by the manufacturer of Actos, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, looked at the connection between the use of this medication and an increased risk of Actos bladder cancer side effects.

About Actos and Diabetes

Diabetes affects 8.3 million children and adults in the United States. An overwhelming majority (90-95%) has Type 2 diabetes, which typically affects adults. In order to work properly, the human body needs energy, which comes from the food that is eaten. This food is broken down into sugar or glucose, and then is transported to the cells. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that is essential in helping the glucose reach the cells.

When the pancreas, which produces insulin, does not manufacture enough, or when the cells become resistant to insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells. As a result, the glucose remains in the bloodstream causing complications throughout the body. Additionally, without glucose in the cells, the body does not produce the energy needed.

Actos is one of the leading prescriptions for helping balance insulin use in the body; addressing both the amount of glucose produced and the resistance that cells may have to insulin. However, recent studies suggest that while Actos may work effectively on blood sugar, it can cause even greater problems including Actos bladder cancer problems.

Recent Actos Side Effects Cancer Studies

As part of a 10-year study, researchers looked at patients who used Actos from 1997-2008. Some took Actos for just a few weeks, but other used Actos for up to 8.5 years. Although the study did not show a specific increased risk of bladder cancer for everyone who used it, it did show that the risk of developing bladder cancer increased with the length of time a patient used Actos and the increased dosage they were prescribed.

A French study followed with more concerning conclusions. The French National Insurance Plan study reviewed records of 1.5 million diabetic patients over three years and saw a significant increased risk of bladder cancer in those who used pioglitazone, the active ingredient in Actos, than in those who used other diabetic medications.

After these findings, France suspended use of Actos for diabetic patients and Germany soon followed suit.

If you have taken Actos and have also been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damage this medication has caused. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options and the most recent Actos lawsuit 2011 news. We are currently representing patients throughout the United States. There is a limited time to file an Actos bladder cancer lawsuit. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

Men of all ages who have taken the prescription Propecia to counter hair loss are coming forward with their stories of how they have had Propecia side effects long term as a result of the medicine.

Propecia is a once-a-day pill that is advertised as being an effective treatment for male pattern baldness, a common type of hair loss. Propecia’s results have been impressive, as it blocks the male hormone DHT that can lead to thinning and hair loss on the crown of the head.

Men who use Propecia must take it every day in order for it to be effective, and it may take at least three months before they can see any change. Hair growth lasts only while Propecia is taken. Once it is discontinued, hair loss will begin again, therefore, Propecia is seen as a long-term treatment.

Propecia Erectile Dysfunction Problems

Because Propecia does affect the presence of the male hormone, it can cause some sexual side effects, such as a decreased sex drive, difficulty maintaining an erection and difficulty reaching orgasm. In the past, before updating the warning label, the assured men that these side effects only last while the drug is taken, and will end once it is discontinued.

Unfortunately, men have found that was not necessarily true. In a recent study of 71 men who used Propecia, researchers found that over 90% of them experienced sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, long-term. In some cases, the men had problems for months. Others still wait to recover.

What is most difficult for men suffering from long term erectile dysfunction, is that they believed that, according to the manufacturer, any impotence would stop once the men stopped using Propecia.

Although this initial study is small, the implications are much larger. With Propecia being used by millions of men, the potential of long-term problems affects many people. Propecia is prescribed to men as young as 18, so the possibility of permanent erectile dysfunction can affect a man’s ability to reproduce as well.

In addition to the physical side effects are the psychological ones associated with a long-term physical issue.

Still Waiting for Answers

Men who have experienced sexual side effects after using Propecia may have plenty of questions, but few answers. One question to ask is whether they should have been informed about the potential for long-term damage from Propecia. If you have had side effects after using Propecia, we can help. We offer a no cost, no obligation and confidential consultation with a Propecia lawyer to discuss your individual situation. Contact us today to get information on your legal options. There is a limited time to file a Propecia lawsuit. Please contact us as soon as possible.

A transvaginal mesh is a plastic mesh device that is used to reinforce a repair in the body. Depending on the problem, the mesh can be inserted through the abdomen or through the vagina, with the latter called transvaginally.

Transvaginal Mesh and POP

Transvaginal mesh is often used to bolster weakened muscle tissue, particularly among women with pelvic organ prolapse, or POP. This condition actually occurs fairly frequently, in 30-50% of women, but only a small percent actually exhibit symptoms. POP occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, urethra or bladder, shift downward toward and even into the vagina. This shift often occurs as the muscles in the pelvic area loosen, often due to stress from repeated pregnancies or vaginal deliveries. Organs can also shift after a hysterectomy, as the organs have more area to move. Changing hormones in aging women can also affect POP.

When POP occurs and the organs drop downward, patients can have a variety of problems including a feeling of pressure, back pain, incontinence, constipation or pain during intercourse.

Mild cases of POP may be treated with Kegels, an exercise that strengthens the pelvic muscles, or with lifestyle changes to reduce weight or decrease the intake of caffeinated beverages, which act as diuretics.

In more severe cases, doctors may perform surgery to repair weak muscles, inserting transvaginal mesh to make that weak area stronger.

Transvaginal Mesh Failure Complications

The FDA found widespread problems suffered by patients who had a surgery mesh procedure for POP, with over 1000 cases of injuries or death. During the surgery, some patients experienced problems when the mesh device punctured the bladder, bowel or a nearby blood vessel. Other patients had complications once the mesh had been implanted, but later eroded. This erosion caused pain, new in incidences of incontinence, intercourse pain and organ prolapse.

Because the mesh is intended to a permanent implantation, it becomes intertwined with the muscle tissues and is very difficult to remove even when problems arise. As a result of the numerous concerns regarding the transvaginal mesh procedure, the FDA has said that this process is a high risk, and that other methods should be found to complete the repairs without using mesh.

Nationwide Surgical Mesh Lawsuit Help
If you have had transvaginal mesh surgery, we encourage you to contact us with your story. We are investigating claims by patients who believe the manufacturers of the mesh devices should be held responsible for the injuries and damage that have resulted. For a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options, contact us today. There is a limited time to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit based on statute of limitations. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

This is the case for many mothers who were prescribed Celexa or other antidepressants either before or during their pregnancy. Depression affects millions of Americans, and can often be treated with combined therapies, including medication.

For years, doctors have prescribed antidepressants even to women during their pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant and depressed, immediate and effective treatment of the illness is as important for the woman as it is for the baby. Doctors know that babies who are born to women with untreated depression often have a more difficult start in life. These babies may have more stress at birth, weigh less and be born prematurely.

Risks of Celexa Birth Defects

For all the benefits the antidepressants may present, they also present risks. Numerous studies have concluded that antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and Paxil can cause birth defects, particularly when used at certain times during the pregnancy.

Wellbutrin and the other antidepressants work by targeting a specific chemical in the brain. Scientists believe that an imbalance of chemicals affects mood, and these medications seek to re-establish that balance. Wellbutrin targets dopamine and norepinephrine. Others target serotonin, while still others focus on a combination of chemicals.

What all of these drugs have in common is that when used by women during certain times in the pregnancy, their babies have a higher risk of being born with a structural birth defect. When taken during the early stages of pregnancy, babies are more likely to have a congenital abnormality in the heart. They may have a hole in the septal wall that separates the right and left sides of the heart, or other abnormalities like a transposition of valves or arteries.

When some of these antidepressants are taken in the third trimester, babies may be six times more likely to develop a life-threatening breathing condition. In addition, Wellbutrin and other antidepressants have been linked to a variety of other congenital abnormalities including spina bifida, craniosynostosis, omphaloceles, cleft lip and palate and clubfoot.

Nationwide Celexa Lawsuits Birth Defects Help

If you used Celexa before or during pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect, we encourage you to contact us. We represent families who believe the manufacturers of these drugs should be held accountable for the injuries they have caused. To find out more information on Celexa lawsuits settlements, and to discuss your individual situation, call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

To date, there has been no Zoloft class action lawsuit filed against Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer. Families with babies that were born with one or more birth defects stemming from prenatal exposure to the drug have filed individual Zoloft lawsuit claims. Cases have thus far covered a variety of disorders. We’ll describe double aortic arch below, and explain how the condition is corrected.

Abnormal Development Of The Aorta

The heart and aorta form during the early stages of fetal development. The aorta is a large artery that extends from the left ventricle, and carries blood to the body. Early in development, the aorta forms from the aortic arches, a series of vascular structures. They separate to form many of the body’s main blood vessels, such as the carotid arteries and pulmonary arteries. Some disappear.

Normally, the aorta is formed by one aortic arch. A single vessel leaves the left ventricle, extending upward and to the left before curving downward in front of the trachea. In babies born with double aortic arch, a single vessel leaves the ventricle, but splits into two distinct paths as it approaches the trachea. One path continues in front of the trachea while the other passes behind the esophagus. The two branches wrap around both structures, creating an abnormality known as a vascular ring.

The ring places pressure on the trachea and esophagus. This leads to a number of symptoms, the severity of which is based on the level of compression.

Complications Affecting Breathing And Digestion

Double aortic arch is often mild and presents no noticeable symptoms. When this is the case, the disorder may not be detected until the baby is older. When the pressure that is placed on the trachea and esophagus are severe, the infant is likely to display breathing and digestive problems.

A newborn may have difficulty taking deep breaths, and wheeze while inhaling. In addition, her breathing might be noisy, especially while nursing. Recurring bouts of pneumonia may also present.

Digestive issues can include vomiting and choking. The infant might have difficulty swallowing liquids, and regurgitate them. Acid reflux can also present as a result of continued compression on the esophagus.

Relieving Pressure From The Vascular Ring

In all cases where the baby (or child) displays signs of pressure on the trachea and esophagus, surgery is warranted. It is performed as soon as possible with the goal of relieving compression.

The surgeon’s goal is to divide the vascular ring. If, after the division, the left aortic arch is dominant (i.e. larger), the right side is dissected and tied off with vascular clamps. If the right arch is dominant, the same is done to the left side. In both cases, the dissection is done low enough so that pressure on the trachea and esophagus is relieved.

The procedure is relatively simple. Though it is invasive, and may require that the baby is attached to a cardiopulmonary bypass, it can often be performed through a single incision between the ribs. The operation can occasionally be performed via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, a minimally-invasive approach that reduces scarring and trauma.

Other Zoloft heart defects, such as holes that develop in the wall separating the left and right sides of the heart, are more common than double aortic arch. They can also be life-threatening if the baby does not receive treatment. If your child is suffering from the effects of spinal bifida, craniosynostosis, PPHN, or other Zoloft birth defects, you may have the right to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Zoloft lawsuit settlements attorney to discuss your case.

Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced does not work effectively to allow glucose into the cells. When this happens, the glucose remains in the bloodstream. High levels of glucose can damage small and large blood vessels throughout the body.

Complications for Diabetes

• High blood pressure occurs in 2 out of 3 adults who have diabetes. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the blood moves inside the blood vessels too forcefully, causing the heart to work harder.

• Because of the damage diabetes causes in the small blood vessels, people with diabetes often have an increased risk for eye problems. They are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma and 60% more likely to get cataracts than those without diabetes.

• The kidneys clean the blood in the body, filtering out wastes and keeping in useful protein and other substances. Too much blood sugar makes the kidneys work harder and eventually, they can work less efficiently. They no longer filter effectively, allowing the useful protein to leak out in the urine, and leading to the buildup of waste products in the body.

• Many people with diabetes know that they must be very aware of their feet. Because the high sugar levels in the blood can lead to damage to the blood vessels and nerves, a person with diabetes could lose sensitivity to feeling in the feet. A foot injury could occur, such as a small cut, and could go unnoticed and become infected.

• Hearing loss is yet another complication tied to diabetes because of the damage to the small nerves. Hearing loss is twice as common among diabetics as it is among those without the disease.

In addition to complications from diabetes itself, new reports show that diabetics may have even more complications from a medicine to treat the disease. A recent study linked Actos, a prescription medicine used to help control blood sugar, with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Several studies indicated that the longer Actos was used, the greater the risk of Actos bladder cancer side effects. As a result, several European countries have banned the use of Actos.

Nationwide Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit Help
Taking care of your diabetes is important to avoid complications and to ensure long-term health. If you have used Actos and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, contact us today to discuss your legal options. There is a limited time to file an Actos lawsuit bladder cancer claim. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

To date, there has been no class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturer in the U.S. But a number of individual Propecia lawsuit claims have been filed recently. Below, we’ll explain how the hair loss pill is believed to cause long-term erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire in the first place.

DHT And The Role Of Finasteride

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is an androgen. Androgens are compounds that contribute to the stimulation of the male sex organs. There are several such compounds, though the most well-known is testosterone. DHT is the result of a biological process (called 5-alpha reduction) that converts testosterone into a more powerful androgen.

DHT is also the main contributor to male pattern hair loss. One of the areas in the body in which DHT is synthesized is in the hair follicles. The androgen is believed to block the delivery of nutrients to the follicles, thereby causing them to shrink. As this occurs, the hairs produced by them become thinner and less visible. They also have a shorter life.

Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, is an antiandrogen. The chemical inhibits an enzyme called type II 5-alpha reductase, which is a key factor in 5-alpha reduction, the process that converts testosterone into DHT. By inhibiting the action of this enzyme, finasteride prevents the synthesis of DHT. The result is that the hair follicles receive the nutrients they need, and begin to produce thicker, longer-lasting hair.

Possible Persistent Propecia Sexual Side Effects

Recall that DHT, as a potent androgen, is responsible for stimulating the male sex organs. Introducing finasteride into the body to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT can cause sexual dysfunction. Common side effects include an inability to achieve or sustain an erection, lower volume of semen, and a diminished sexual drive. Many men also experience testicular pain.

As already noted, Merck Pharmaceuticals claims that only 2 percent of men using the prescription hair loss treatment experience these side effects. Moreover, signs of sexual dysfunction typically go away once the medication is stopped. Multiple studies have found that these claims may be untrue.

For example, a study titled “Adverse Side Effects Of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors Therapy” was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in March 2011. It revealed that approximately 15 percent of those using finasteride had experienced sexual side effects. It also showed evidence that these side effects persisted in some men long after the drug had been stopped.

Merck Propecia Lawsuit Claims Likely To Grow

Information regarding the risk of permanent Propecia side effects involving sexual dysfunction following use of the hair loss pill is relatively new in the U.S. While the warning labels used in Sweden and the UK have included this risk for years, the label used in the U.S. has not. This recently changed. Merck and Co. updated their U.S. label to include a note that some men may experience difficulty achieving an erection after stopping the medication. For many men, however, the warning comes too late.

The manufacturer of the male pattern hair loss treatment currently faces several lawsuits alleging that the risk of permanent sexual dysfunction was not adequately disclosed. Had some men known about the risk, they might have chosen not to use the hair loss pill. If Merck was aware of the danger, and withheld the information from the public, they should be held accountable for any resulting injuries.

If you suffer from permanent Propecia side effects, diminished sexual desire, or related problems, you may be able to file a claim against the drug maker. Contact an experienced Propecia lawsuit lawyer to discuss your legal options.

When a hole appears in the part of the septum that separates the atria (upper chambers of the heart), it is called an atrial septal defect (ASD). A hole that appears between the ventricles (lower chambers) is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Below, we’ll focus on the latter, and describe the serious health issues it can cause. If your baby was born with a VSD after prenatal exposure to Lexapro, you may be able to file a Lexapro lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer.

Failure To Thrive

Ventricular septal defects allow oxygen-rich blood in the left ventricle to flow into the right ventricle, where it mixes with oxygen-depleted blood. If the disorder is left untreated, it can cause numerous side effects.

For example, an infant suffering from a VSD may lack the ability to eat enough to meet her body’s demands for energy. This will cause her to lose weight. If the problem continues, her development will be severely impaired to the point that she is much smaller than babies or children of the same age. Both physical and mental skills are likely to be affected.

Blood Clots And Stroke

Babies with large VSDs are more likely to develop blood clots. Clotting can occur when the defect disrupts the heart’s electrical system, triggering an arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat). Arrhythmias affect the manner in which the heart’s chambers contract and expand; they can prevent them from pumping out blood effectively. Residual blood may start to pool inside the chambers, leading to the formation of clots.

Once clots form in the heart, they can be pumped outward to the aorta. From there, they can migrate to the brain and cause a stroke.

Infective Endocarditis

Infants born with a ventricular septal defect are more susceptible to endocarditis, a bacterial infection that affects the heart chambers and valves. Most cases of the infection are caused by bacteria found in the mouth.

When a baby (or any person) is healthy, bacteria that find their way into the heart are promptly cleared away by the continuous, one-way flow of blood. However, with a VSD, the abnormal blood flow between the ventricles may allow the bacteria to remain in the chambers. Since the heart valves do not receive their own blood supply, the immune system is unable to fight bacteria that gather around them. The result is infective endocarditis.

Pulmonary Hypertension

A VSD usually results in blood moving from the left ventricle to the right ventricle rather than in the opposite direction. This increases the amount of blood that is pumped to the lungs. It also raises the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, a condition called pulmonary hypertension. The pressure can cause permanent scarring in the lung tissue.

In most cases, pulmonary hypertension can be avoided if the ventricular septal defect is resolved soon after birth.

Heart Failure

An untreated VSD that has caused high blood pressure in the pulmonary vessels can affect the heart’s ability to meet the body’s demands. As pressure in the pulmonary arteries rises, the right ventricle is forced to work harder to pump blood against the resistance. The chamber will grow larger and thicker at first to absorb the extra strain. However, the ventricle can eventually tire out, causing heart failure.

Ventricular septal defects that close on their own, or are treated during infancy, rarely pose serious problems later in life. But without surgical repair, a large VSD can become life-threatening. If you used Lexapro while pregnant, and have a child who was born with a heart defect, you may be eligible to file a Lexapro lawsuit. Contact a Lexapro lawsuit settlements attorney to discuss your case. We are representing individual families in filing lawsuits and there is no Lexapro lawsuit class action that covers all cases in the United States.

In December 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory regarding prenatal use of paroxetine, the generic name for Paxil. The agency warned that taking the medication during the first trimester exposed unborn babies to an increased risk of several birth defects. Among them was a congenital malformation of the skull known as craniosynostosis. We’ll describe the most common variations of the disorder below along with some of their related complications.

Anatomy Of A Baby’s Cranium

Several bones comprise a baby’s skull: the occipital, ethmoid, parietal, frontal, temporal, and sphenoid. In the womb, and until the infant reaches twenty-four months in age, these six bones remain separated. Their only attachment to each other is via fibrous joints, or sutures. The baby’s brain and cranial bones continue to expand until the sutures fuse together, forming an intact skull.

Craniosynostosis is a Paxil birth defect where the fibrous joints between the cranial bones fuse prematurely. When this occurs, the brain and bones are unable to develop naturally. The infant will typically display deformities in the skull and facial features depending on which suture has closed.

Coronal Synostosis

Also known as anterior plagiocephaly, this form of craniosynostosis involves the early fusion of one – and occasionally, both – of the coronal sutures. These joints extend upward from both ears, and connect the frontal bones to the parietal bones. With coronal synostosis, the baby’s brow and forehead are prevented from developing normally. Both appear flattened on the side of the fused suture, and bulbous on the other side. In some cases, the infant’s eye on the side of the defect also becomes misshapen.

Lamboidal Synostosis

The lambdoidal suture connects the parietal and occipital bones (near the back of the skull). When this joint becomes fused prematurely, the condition is referred to as posterior plagiocephaly. The back of the infant’s head becomes flattened as the result of restricted development; the ear on the side of the defect may be positioned further back than normal; and the cranium may appear to lean to one side.

Sagittal Synostosis

This suture runs across the top of the skull between the anterior and posterior fontanelles (spaces between the joining of bones). It connects the left and right parietal bones. Early fusion of this joint causes a condition known as scaphocephaly. Because the premature closure of the sagittal suture prevents the cranium from expanding on both sides, it begins to expand in the front and rear. As a result, the infant’s head may appear elongated.

Metopic Synostosis

The metopic suture connects the left and right frontal bones. When this joint closes early, the front of the baby’s head is prevented from developing naturally. Her forehead may appear smaller and less rounded than normal, to the point of taking on a triangular form. Also, the infant’s eyes may be spaced too closely together. This form of craniosynostosis leads to a condition known as trigonocephaly.

Complications Of Paxil Birth Defects Of The Skull

Abnormalities in the formation of the baby’s skull and facial features may lead to airway obstructions, causing long-term breathing difficulties. Far more serious, however, is the risk of elevated intracranial pressure. Depending on the extent of early fusion, as well as which sutures are involved, pressure can build to dangerous levels within the skull. This can set off seizures as well as cause blindness and brain damage.

Paxil Lawsuit Settlements
Craniosynostosis is one of many possible Paxil birth defects that can pose long-term consequences for babies. In rare cases, it can be fatal. If your infant is suffering from a cranial birth defect stemming from use of Paxil during pregnancy, you may have the right to file a claim for compensation. Contact a Paxil lawsuit 2011 lawyer to discuss your options including the latest Paxil birth defect settlement news.