Zoloft has been linked to birth defects, if you or
someone you know has been personally affected,
you may be eligible for compensation.

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Zoloft® (Sertraline Hcl) Heart Defects

It has been suggested that Zoloft® (sertraline Hcl) might be linked to birth defects, specifically heart defects, a lung disorder called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), abdominal wall defects and cranial defects. Other drugs in its class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have also been associated with a range of congenital defects.

Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defects in the U.S. The heart begins to develop soon after conception, and there are several things that can go wrong. Defects can occur during the development of the heart and can affect the walls of the heart, the valves, or the arteries and veins that are connected to the heart.

Zoloft® Birth Defect Statistics

According to a study that examined approximately 10,000 babies born with birth defects and 6,000 healthy babies, babies that were exposed to Zoloft® (sertraline Hcl) during the first trimester carried twice the risk of being born with a heart defect. The same study showed that the babies who were exposed to Paxil®, another SSRI antidepressant, had three-times the risk of being born with a heart defect.

The heart defects generally develop in about 5 of every 10,000 babies, meaning twice the risk is 10 in 10,000 and a tripled risk is 15 in 10,000.

Types of Heart Defects Associated with Zoloft® Use

According to reports, the two most common types of heart birth defects associated with antidepressants such as Zoloft® are atrial septal defects (ASD) and ventricular septal defects.

Atrial septal defect refers to a condition in which there is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. The hole allows blood to flow between the chambers. Ventricular septal defect refers to a condition in which there is a large opening between the ventricles of the heart, allowing blood from the left side to travel to the right side. The heart ends up being overworked, trying to pump extra blood.

The following is a list of heart defects that are believed to be associated with Zoloft® and other SSRIs:

Find Out If You Qualify for a Zoloft® Lawsuit

If your baby is born with a congenital heart defect and you took Zoloft® (sertraline Hcl) during your pregnancy, contact us to find out if you qualify to file a Zoloft® birth defect lawsuit. A lawsuit would seek compensation for the medical costs associated with the defect as well as the pain and suffering endured by you and your child.

To schedule a free and confidential case evaluation to determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit, please contact our Zoloft® birth defect lawyers today.