Zoloft Use Linked to Clubbed Foot Birth Defect

Zoloft, also known as generically as sertraline hydrochloride and sometimes sold as Lustral, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressant introduced to the market by Pfizer in 1991. It is typically prescribed to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic stress and social anxiety disorders. Zoloft is also used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

In 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the use of SSRIs such as Zoloft during pregnancy. Use of such a medication during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects, including clubbed foot.

Physicians refer to clubbed foot as “Congenital Talipes Equinovarus.” It occurs when one or both of the feet of the children born with this condition are turned inward at the ankle. Medical professionals can treat most cases without surgery.

Researchers at the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University conducted a study between 1993-2004 evaluating the possible link between the first trimester use of SSRIs such as Zoloft and the risk of serious birth defects. They defined “first trimester use” as exposure that took place anywhere from 28 days before to 112 days after the last menstrual period. The study found a link that echoed the spirit of the FDA warning: There is an increased risk of birth defects – including clubbed foot – when a pregnant woman is using SSRIs.

The process of demanding compensation for the harm you’ve suffered (caused by a defective product manufactured by a blameworthy company) can be complicated, even if it doesn’t seem fair that you should have to go through even more trouble to be made whole again. The Zoloft lawyers at the Rottenstein Law Group believe that getting satisfaction from the company that harmed you shouldn’t be just more hardship. That’s why we do everything we can to streamline the process, and we will file a Zoloft lawsuit on your behalf if necessary. If you have taken Zoloft and experienced adverse side effects, contact RLG today.