Most people know that during pregnancy, women need to be particularly careful about taking medications to avoid adverse consequences for the unborn baby. While some medications are dangerous for babies in the womb, more often than not no data exists on whether a drug is safe for pregnant women because drug companies fail to do testing. It is unsafe to subject pregnant women and their unborn children to the potential risks inherent in a typical clinical trial. Medications are found to be unsafe for pregnant women, unfortunately, when their babies suffer complications from using the medicine.
The list of medications that healthcare professionals now consider unsafe for pregnant women expanded in early 2011, with the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control issued warnings about the effects of several different types of medications on pregnant women and their unborn children.
In February 2011, the FDA issued a warning to physicians that pregnant women taking antipsychotic drugs such as Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Abilify, Thorazine and many others run the risk of giving birth to children who suffer from abnormal muscle movements and withdrawal symptoms including severe breathing problems, sleepiness and difficulties eating. These drugs are often used to treat conditions like bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia. The FDA warning notes that the risk is especially high when women take these drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy.
In the same warning, the FDA discussed the dangers of terbutaline, an asthma drug that some doctors prescribe for stopping preterm labor. The drug has caused heart issues and even death in some mothers.
In March 2011, the FDA also intensified its warnings about pregnant women taking topiramate, sold under the brand name It is used for migraines and controlling seizures and increases the chances of giving birth to children with cleft palates or cleft lips.
In February 2011, the CDC announced the results of a study regarding medication and pregnancy, revealing that women taking pain relievers with opioids such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Tylenol with codeine just prior to or in the early stages of pregnancy escalates the danger of giving birth to a child with a congenital heart defect, glaucoma, spina bifida or gastroschisis.
The dilemma facing doctors and their patients is that leaving some conditions untreated for the duration of the pregnancy may harm the unborn child as much as the medication might. Doctors and pregnant patients need to weigh the potential harm of medication against the potential harm of leaving a condition untreated.
If a physician is negligent in prescribing a medication that is dangerous for pregnant women or a drug manufacturer fails to inform the FDA of known risks of a medication, they may be liable for any harm that the unborn child suffers. If you or your child has experienced harm as a result of taking medication during pregnancy, do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can discuss your situation with you and inform you of all your options.
