A set of 12 SSRI birth defect lawsuits have been collectively filed against Forest Pharmaceuticals in Cabell Circuit Court. The plaintiffs allege that their children were born with birth defects allegedly in direct result of ingesting the SSRI antidepressant, Lexapro or Celexa.

These Lexapro birth defects lawsuits are filed on behalf of the children born with defects to mothers who had ingested Lexapro at some point during their pregnancies. Along with other defendants, Forest is facing the wrath of devastated parents: Jaclynn C., Alexis G., Loretta R., Brandi W., Diane V., Svenja D., Bianca F., Erica A., Jennifer B., and Kassi E., who is representing the Estate of Jaycee A. These women claim that for allegedly being responsible for manufacturing, selling, distributing, and marketing a dangerous drug, Forest Pharmaceuticals is responsible for their children’s birth defects.

SSRI Drug Use and Pregnancy

Celexa and Lexapro are part of the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drug family, and work by regulating only certain brain chemicals to insure mood stability. Both drugs have the same active ingredient, which makes them have very similar pharmaceutical makeup and work in similar biological modes.

During the time that both Celexa and Lexapro have been on the American market, the FDA has required Forest to update the drugs’ warning labels regarding the serious risk of birth defects associated with the drugs.

Across the country, pregnant women with mood disorders find themselves at a crossroads between their medications and the health of their babies. A number of antidepressants have been accused of causing birth defects. So ultimately, pregnancy women often find themselves choosing between their medications and the chances of a healthy baby. It certainly is a Catch-22, as stopping their medications would result in severe anxiety, emotional turmoil, and mood swings.

On the other hand, continuing the medication could mean exposing their babies to harmful substances. Medical experts ultimately advise women to consult their physicians and ask what the safest medications for them and their child would be.

It is important to note that drugs belonging to the SSRI inhibitor family have been assigned “Grade C” pregnancy risks, which means that they have been shown to harm animal fetuses in large doses. While the risks to human fetuses is unknown, medical experts generally assume that there is a risk to unborn babies.

Overview of SSRI Birth Defect Allegations

Each of the named plaintiffs allege that Forest knew about the risks of birth defects from either Lexapro or Celexa, based on pre-clinical and post-market studies. The plaintiffs claim that Forest hid this information from medical experts and the patient population in order to protect the market value of their drugs. In fact, the company had advertised Lexapro and Celexa to be safe to use these drugs during pregnancy, despite not having any scientific evidence to prove the claims.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs contend that Forest had either known or should have known about the risk of birth defects, and that the plaintiff mothers never would have taken either drug if they had known about the risks of birth defects.

The birth defects these infants sustained include physical formalities and cardiac complications, resulting in life-long care for these disabilities and emotional trauma for the parents. Each of the plaintiffs are seeking punitive and compensatory damages, along with pre-judgment and post-judgment interest. These Lexapro birth defect lawsuits have been assigned to Circuit Judge Christopher D. Chiles, where they await further litigation progression.

These 12 Lexapro Birth Defect Lawsuits are Cases Nos.: 15-C-358, 15-C-359, 15-C-360, 15-C-361, 15-C-362, 15-C-363, 15-C-364, 15-C-365, 15-C-366, 15-C-367, 15-C-368, 15-C-369, in Cabell Circuit Court.