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Zoloft Lawsuit

Zoloft is an SSRI antidepressant that may cause harmful side effects and birth defects. Drug manufacturer Pfizer has faced multiple Zoloft lawsuits filed by patients or loved ones of those who took Zoloft and experienced serious injury, birth defects or death.

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Quick Summary

Zoloft Lawsuit

Zoloft (sertraline) is a member of the the SSRI class of antidepressants which has caused a number of serious side effects, birth defects and drug injuries resulting in lawsuits being filed against Pfizer, Zoloft’s manufacturer.

Though over 700 federal Zoloft and class action lawsuits were filed, Pfizer was successful at getting many of the lawsuits dismissed or withdrawn after courts ruled against plaintiffs. Other lawsuits filed in state courts in West Virginia, Missouri, New York and other states were also dismissed or resulted in a decision for Pfizer.

Zoloft Lawsuit Information

Zoloft (sertraline) is a member of the the SSRI class of antidepressants and is approved for major depression, anxiety and panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in adults and for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents and adults.  It has also been used “off-label” for bipolar disorder, premature ejaculation, headaches and other conditions.  It has caused a number of serious side effects, birth defects and drug injuries which have resulted in lawsuits being filed against Pfizer, Zoloft’s manufacturer.

At least 250 Zoloft lawsuits were filed by plaintiffs of Pennsylvania litigation. In these Zoloft lawsuits, plaintiffs alleged that use of the antidepressant during pregnancy causes birth defects. Other Zoloft lawsuit cases have claimed violent behaviors as a result of the medication. Suicides and homicides have occurred in several patients who were prescribed to Zoloft before committing the acts and still others claimed that the medication’s effectiveness was overstated.

Though over 700 federal Zoloft and class action lawsuits were filed, Pfizer was successful at getting many of the lawsuits dismissed or withdrawn after courts ruled against plaintiffs. Other lawsuits filed in state courts in West Virginia, Missouri, New York and other states were also dismissed or resulted in a decision for Pfizer.

Zoloft Side Effects

Though highly disputed by Zoloft’s manufacturer, some studies have shown that Zoloft can cause birth defects if patients use the medication while pregnant. Statistics show that women are twice as likely to suffer a birth defect to their child if prescribed to Zoloft. Premature birth can also occur as a result of using Zoloft while pregnant.

Other effects from Zoloft:

  • Suicide – Use of Zoloft has been linked to increased likelihood of self-harming impulses
  • Withdrawal – Long-term use of Zoloft induces physical dependency which will lead to Withdrawal Syndrome when discontinued
  • Septal heart defects – Septal heart defects are the most common birth defect caused by Zoloft

Zoloft effects on pregnancy:

  • Agitation of newborn
  • Abnormal muscle tone
  • Difficulty feeding
  • Infant suffers seizures

Birth defects from Zoloft:

  • Heart defects
  • Transposition of great arteries
  • Coarctation of aorta
  • Patent ductus arterioles
  • Ebstein’s anomaly
  • Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
  • Intestinal disorders
  • Omphalocele
  • Anal atresia
  • Pyloric stenosis
  • Club foot
  • Cleft lip
  • Cleft palate
  • Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHT)

Zoloft Lawsuit Claims

A class action Zoloft lawsuit case in California accused the company of promoting ineffective medication. Some experts claimed that Zoloft’s effectiveness was equivalent to placebo or no treatment at all. The Zoloft lawsuit charged that Pfizer knew the drug’s benefits were overestimated but was dismissed in September 2014.

More than 250 Zoloft lawsuits alleged that birth defects were caused by the drug. These Zoloft lawsuits were filed, seeking compensation to help parents manage health care costs from the associated conditions.  Federal lawsuits which had been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in Pennsylvania were all withdrawn or dismissed by November 2017.

Other Zoloft users have filed Zoloft lawsuits due to distressing physical and psychological effects. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Zoloft has commonly been noted to cause a number of side effects, some of which are severe, may be serious or result in permanent injury or death.

Though a few Zoloft lawsuits may remain in federal, state or local courts, most lawsuits have resulted in withdrawal or dismissal.  People who feel they suffered injury due to use of Zoloft should seek legal advice.

Notwithstanding claims relating to this product, the drug/medical device remains approved by the U.S. FDA.