Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Linked to Congenital Heart Defects
Children born with cardiac and other congenital birth defects have possibly been linked to use of the anti-depressant drug Bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban) during pregnancy, based on findings published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, which found that mothers of infants born with a specific type of congenital heart defect were more likely to have reported taking Wellbutrin (bupropion) than mothers of control infants. They identified a positive association between early pregnancy bupropion use and congenital heart defects.
The most common defects found were left outflow tract defects. Left outflow defects affect the flow of blood from the heart's left chambers to the rest of the body. The most common type of left outflow tract defect was coarctation of the aorta -- a narrowing in the body's main artery. In another recent study, researchers also found that among more than 12,700 U.S. infants born between 1997 and 2004, those whose mothers used Wellbutrin (bupropion) during early pregnancy had more than double the risk of these same heart defects. If you have a child suffering from congenital heart defects or other severe congenital malformations and you were prescribed Wellbutrin during pregnancy, you may have a cause of action against Glaxo SmithKline, the creator of Welbutrin.
What is Welbutrin (Bupropion)?
In 1985, SmithKline Beecham (now Glaxo SmithKline) introduced Bupropion Hydrochloride under the brand name Wellbutrin. In 1996, the FDA approved the drug in a sustained-release version called Wellbutrin SR and, in 2003, an extended-release version called Wellbutrin XL. Bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban) has been prescribed to treat depression and in some cases has been prescribed to assist in smoking cessation treatment. Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) is also prescribed to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD; episodes of depression that occur in the fall and winter each year). Bupropion is in a class of medications called antidepressants, and works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain.
Speak to a Wellbutrin Lawyer about a Wellbutrin Birth Defect Lawsuit
If your child was born with a severe birth defect that may have resulted from your being prescribed Wellbutrin during pregnancy, please contact our law firm immediately to discuss your legal rights to file an individual Wellbutrin Lawsuit and for information regarding a Wellbutrin Class Action Lawsuit. Please keep in mind that certain states have filing deadlines or statute of limitations that limit the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or seek legal action. Speak to a Wellbutrin lawyer if your child has been born with Coarctation of the Aorta, required open heart surgery, or required a heart transplant to correct a Wellbutrin related congenital birth defect.
Our law firm has represented thousands of clients over the past twenty five years and thoroughly understands pharmaceutical product-liability and drug litigation. You are not alone. Contact us today for a free and completely confidential Wellbutrin Side Effects lawsuit evaluation. Talk to a Wellbutrin Lawyer now about your rights. Fill out our online form on the right, or call our law firm toll free at (800) 883-9858.
