Effexor linked to Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) Birth Defect

FDA has linked Effexor to PPHN. Were you warned about the risk to your baby?

Effexor & PPHN

Effexor is one of a class of antidepressant drugs described as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Effexor, whose generic name is Venlafaxine, is a type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The US Food and Drug administration (FDA) has linked SSRIs to an increase in serious birth defects. The FDA issued a health advisory citing a 2006 New England Journal of Medicine study that reported women receiving SSRIs after the 20th week of their pregnancy gave birth to babies that were six times as likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).

Serious Birth Defects

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is a lung condition which is often life threatening. PPHN causes high pressure in the baby’s lungs and prevents adequate amounts of oxygen from entering the bloodstream. This condition is very serious and requires intensive medical care, usually in a neonatal intensive care unit. This oxygen deprivation can quickly stress a baby’s organs. The heart, liver, brain and kidneys are all at risk for damage and failure. A newborn that survives PPHN may experience seizures, breathing problems and other long term health issues.

Other Risks

PPHN is not the only risk to babies whose mothers have been prescribed a SSRI. There have been reports of babies displaying symptoms of withdrawal associated with users of this class of antidepressants.

Other SSRIs in this class of drugs include:

Talk To Your Physician

A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that, out a study population of 50,000 women prescribed a SSRI antidepressant, less than half received warnings about the dangers of potential birth defects if they continued to take the SSRI during pregnancy. If your baby has PPHN, or another similar birth defect, and you were prescribed an antidepressant during your pregnancy, contact an experienced attorney immediately.

More Information about Effexor

FDA Public Health Advisory

FDA.gov – July 19, 2006

Maker’s Prescribing Information for Effexor

FDA.gov – August, 2007

For a free consultation with an experienced attorney, contact a pharmaceutical drug injury attorney online or phone Arnold & Itkin LLP toll free at 1-866-222-2606.