In July 2010, a team of Lebanese published a study titled “Goldenhar syndrome associated with prenatal maternal Fluoxetine ingestion: Cause or coincidence?” in the medical journal Birth Defects Research reviewing a congenital malformation linked to prenatal Prozac (fluoxetine) exposure. That team, led by C. Farra, was the first to associate goldenhar syndrome with Prozac, though other researchers have demonstrated that a number of different craniofacial birth defects are linked to gestational exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs.
The Farra team writes, “Goldenhar syndrome, also known as oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, is a complex, heterogeneous condition characterized by abnormal prenatal development of facial structures. We present the occurrence of Goldenhar syndrome in an infant born to a woman with a history of prenatal Fluoxetine ingestion throughout her pregnancy. Because this is the first reported case associating maternal Fluoxetine intake with fetal craniofacial malformations, a potential mechanism of injury is discussed.”
The baby boy born to nonconsanguinous parents “ had facial asymmetry with right microtia and mandibular hypoplasia; he also had bilateral hypoplastic macula, scoliotic deformity of the thoracic spine, and ventricular septal defect.” That is, he had both craniofacial malformations and a heart defect. Ventricular septal defect is a birth defect characterized by one or more small holes remaining open between the left and right ventricles after birth. In turn, this inhibits proper oxygenation and cardiovascular performance, among other things.
Farra continues, noting that “The mother was under treatment with Fluoxetine 20 mg/day prior to conception and maintained the same dosage throughout her pregnancy” and states, “The occurrence of developmental aberrations may be caused by a profound serotonin receptor suppressive state in utero leading to aberrant clinical manifestations of the first and second branchial arches. Despite the very many limitations of case reporting of teratogenic events, it remains an important source of information on which more advanced research is based.”
Because so many expecting mothers have used Prozac unaware of the risks for serious congenital malformations, a number of Prozac® birth defects lawsuits have been filed.
If you or a loved one used Prozac and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation or who had perinatal complications, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Prozac® birth defect lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.