The Anti Nausea Medication Causing Birth Defects
If you’re pregnant and worried that you might be taking anti nausea medication, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that certain medications can cause birth defects. Debendox, Ondansetron, Thalidomid,e, and Zofran are just a few of the many examples. These medications are prescribed by doctors to treat nausea and vomiting and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Ondansetron
Ondansetron is an anti nausea medication, but it can cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. Studies have shown that it can lead to cardiovascular, orofacial, and septum defects in fetuses. However, the risk of these birth defects is still unclear.
While the study is not conclusive, it does point to a link between the use of ondansetron and the development of birth defects. Researchers analyzed the medical claims of 88,467 women who filled out an ondansetron prescription during their first trimester. They found an increased risk of oral clefts in newborns who were exposed to the medication during this time. The study, however, had limitations, as it only included women who were insured by Medicaid.
Despite the risks, the drug is widely prescribed by pregnant women to ease nausea and vomiting. Yet, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved it for use in pregnant women. As a result, a growing number of lawsuits allege that GlaxoSmithKline marketed Zofran without FDA approval and failed to warn pregnant women about the risks. Despite this, a recent UCLA study found that Zofran did not increase the risk of birth defects and that the drug helped women have fewer miscarriages and higher live birth rates.
Debendox anti nausea medication
The debate over whether Debendox anti nausea medication causes birth defects has continued for over twenty years. In 1989, the Canadian Drug Administration (CDA) approved the drug, but soon after, fears about its risk to children arose. This leads the drug makers to launch a public awareness campaign to reassure parents. As a result, Debendox was re-approved by the CDA in 2013, and the FDA gave it its highest safety rating. The drug was also approved in Israel in 2015.
While the CSM has never found any conclusive evidence of a direct link between Debendox and birth defects, they have repeatedly looked into the product. Between 1978 and 1984, the drug was investigated eight times. During each investigation, the committee looked at reports and animal studies and assessed the safety of the drug.
Since the Debendox controversy first exploded in the United States, the FDA has pursued the drug. It held public discussions with experts and issued a statement that says it has no definitive evidence that Debendox causes birth defects. However, the company did not stonewall, instead issuing a strong warning and a “keep away” notice to many pregnant women.
Thalidomide anti nausea medication
Thalidomide, an anti nausea medication, has been linked to serious birth defects in babies. Consequently, it should never be taken by women who are pregnant or who might become pregnant. This medicine must only be prescribed by a licensed physician who understands the risk of teratogenicity.
The effects of thalidomide on fetal development are complex. Some studies suggest that the drug promotes the degradation of transcription factors, which help turn genes on and off. Thalidomide causes degeneration of a gene known as SALL4, which interferes with limb development and other aspects of fetal growth. The results are a variety of birth defects in newborns.
Thalidomide can cause limb atrophy in fetuses, which may lead to a shortened limb or an extra finger. It can also cause malformations of the heart, brain, ear, and digestive systems. It is also linked to an increased risk of paralysis.
Zofran
Zofran and other anti-nausea medications are used to help women deal with their nausea during pregnancy. However, there are concerns about their effects on the fetus. A recent study conducted by the Slone Epidemiology Center in Boston revealed that women who used generic Zofran during pregnancy had a higher chance of having a baby with a cleft palate than women who did not take the drug. The FDA is still investigating the safety of the drug, but doctors and pregnant women should be aware of the risks.
Many families have filed lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline over the use of Zofran. These women claim the anti-nausea drug caused birth defects in their children. One such lawsuit was filed by Cheri Flynn in February 2015. She used Zofran to manage her morning sickness. After giving birth to her daughter in 2004, she discovered her daughter was developmentally delayed and suffered from a congenital heart defect.
In 2012, the FDA issued a warning for Zofran, claiming the drug increased the risk of a potentially fatal form of arrhythmia called Torsade de Points. The FDA also recommended ECG monitoring after severe nausea or vomiting. In 2014, the Toronto Star reported that over 150 Zofran lawsuits were filed in the U.S. and Canada. This is a sign of an increase in Zofran and anti-nausea lawsuits involving the drug.
