A 2007 study released in the New England Journal of Medicine showed an association between first trimester use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the frequency of certain birth defects, including arm and leg limb reduction defects. This information, collected by the Slone Epidemiology Center Birth Defects Study, demonstrated that the risk for arm and leg limb reduction increased four-fold when the mother took a prescription SSRI, such as Zoloft, while pregnant. The implications of this study have sparked a wave of litigation against the large pharmaceutical companies that market these medications on the grounds that they failed in their responsibility to adequately inform consumers of all associated risks with their products.

Zoloft Arm and Leg Limb Reduction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an upper or lower (arm or leg) limb reduction defect is present when “a part of or the entire arm or leg of a fetus fails to form completely during pregnancy.” The word “reduction” in this defect comes from the fact that the size of the limb is reduced when compared to a normal arm or leg, although it may be missing entirely. Although a definitive cause has not been established for arm and leg limb reductions, research has shown that many environmental factors can increase the chance of this defect occurring, including taking certain medications, including Zoloft.

Zoloft Limb Reduction Treatment and Complications

When a baby is born with a Zoloft arm and/or leg limb reduction, he or she will face a unique set of complications and problems, some of which are more easily treated than others. The effectiveness of treatment will also depend on various factors, including the position and extent of the defect. Many Zoloft limb reduction patients report problems with motor skills, self-care, sports/physical activities, as well as various emotional problems due to their aesthetic appearance. In treating a Zoloft arm or leg limb reduction patient, the goal is to improve the function and appearance of the reduced limb as much as possible. This is typically done through a combination of orthotics, surgery, prosthetics, and physical/occupational therapy. Zoloft arm and leg limb reductions require a lifetime of specialized medical treatment.

File a Limb Reduction Lawsuit: Speak to a Zoloft Lawyer

If your child was born with a birth defect and you believe it could have been due to the mother taking an antidepressant during pregnancy, call the Willis Law Firm today. We are currently reviewing cases nationwide for the following SSRI Antidepressants:

Zoloft

Paxil

Lexapro

Prozac

Celexa

Effexor

All of our antidepressant birth defect clients are accepted on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will be billed no legal fees by our firm unless a successful recovery settlement is achieved. When choosing to file a Zoloft Arm and Leg Reduction Lawsuit, you want a skilled and caring attorney with the highest peer rating on your side; call us today.