Consumer Alert: Eli Lilly’s popular antidepressant Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine) has been linked to a high number of potentially life-threatening birth defects in babies born to mothers who took the drug during pregnancy. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has strengthened its warning for Symbyax because it has been associated with congenital heart defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), abdominal and cranial defects. Our Symbyax birth defects lawyers are currently investigating potential lawsuit on behalf of families injured by Symbyax side effects.

Symbyax Birth Defects Lawsuit Review: If you or somebody you know has a child that has been diagnosed with a birth defect related to Symbyax, you should contact our lawyers immediately. Consultations are always free. Please use our confidential email contact form or call toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 223-3784.

Which birth defects have been linked to Symbyax?

Mounting evidence and numerous case studies have linked Symbyax to a high number of extremely serious congenital birth defects. Side effects may range from serious withdrawal symptoms in pregnant women who stop taking the drug to life-threatening birth defects. Additionally, there may also be an increased risk of premature delivery and stillbirth in babies born to women who take Symbyax during pregnancy. The following is a list of birth defects that are currently being evaluated for potential Symbyax lawsuits:

Symbyax & Congenital Heart Defects

Two of the most common forms of congenital birth defects associated with the use of Symbyax are atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs). ASDs are characterized by a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (atria) that makes blood flow exchange difficult and inefficient. VSDs occur when there is an opening between the heart’s ventricle, allowing a large amount of oxygen-rich blood from the heart’s left side through the defect on the right side. This is wasteful, since blood that’s already been to the lungs is returning there, and blood that needs to go to the lungs is being displaced. The heart, which has to pump an extra amount of blood, is overworked and may enlarge.

Symbyax & Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

In February 2006, researchers from UC San Diego released information pertaining to the results of a study conducted in collaboration with Boston University’s Slone Epidemiology Center. The study found an increased risk of PPHN in babies born to mothers who took SSRI antidepressants like Symbyax after the 20th week of pregnancy. PPHN is a devastating birth defect that affects the lungs of newborn infants. Babies with PPHN are unable to breathe properly because of a lung defect which causes the blood vessels to become constricted and let less oxygen into the blood. Making the transition from breathing inside the womb to breathing after delivery is very difficult for these newborns, and often causes respiratory failure. Even with the proper treatment, 20% of infants born with PPHN do not survive, and those who do typically have life-long breathing problems.

Symbyax & Autism

In June 2011, a study conducted by researchers at Kaiser Permanente found that women taking medications from the same class as Symbyax while pregnant had an increased risk of giving birth to a baby with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). ASDs are a group of complex developmental disorders characterized by severe social interaction and communication problems. Studies have shown that approximately 3.4 of every 1,000 children between the ages of three and 10 have autism, making ASDs more prolific and widespread than many better known disorders such as diabetes, Down syndrome or spina bifida.

Symbyax Overview

Manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly & Co., Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine) is an FDA-approved prescription medication that belongs to a group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs affect neurotransmitters in the brain, and are used to treat depression caused by bipolar disorder (manic depression). Symbyax is also used to treat depression after at least two other medications have been tried without success.

The FDA currently classifies Symbyax in Pregnancy Category C, which means that it may cause serious problems in newborns if the medication is taken by expecting mothers during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking Symbyax during pregnancy. Symbyax can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby, so do not breast-feed while you are taking Symbyax. Additionally, do not give Symbyax to anyone under 18 years old without first consulting with a doctor.

Baby Born with Symbyax Birth Defects? Contact Us Today.

We believe drug manufacturers have a responsibility to warn patients and doctors of the known risks of taking antidepressants like Symbyax during pregnancy. When drug companies fail to warn consumers, they must be held accountable. The filing of a Symbyax birth defects lawsuit will never heal the emotional devastation of knowing that your child’s birth defect could have been prevented; however, it can assist you and your family in the paying of medical bills, covering healthcare costs, as well as giving you the satisfaction of knowing that you will not stand by and let a giant pharmaceutical company put their profits over the safety of consumers and their families.

Is there a time limit in filing a Symbyax birth defects lawsuit?

Although we encourage all our potential clients to take great care in selecting their Symbyax birth defects lawyer, it is important that you understand that time is of the essence. The applicable statute of limitations in your state may time bar your claim. Furthermore, we are unable to provide you with legal advice without first evaluating your potential case. Accordingly, please take the time now to contact us by using the confidential email contact form below or by calling us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 223-3784.

We hope we will be able to assist you with your potential Symbyax birth defects lawsuit and look forward to speaking with you.

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