Paxil, an anti-depressant medication, is being asked for a change in label from the FDA. Paxil has been discovered to have a potentially serious effect on the developing fetus in women 1-3 months pregnant who take the drug. Women who take Paxil during the first 3 months of pregnancy have a 1.5 to 2 times greater chance of the fetus developing a birth defect than women on other anti-depressants or women who do not take anti-depressants.
While this all sounds frightening, and it may be frightening for some women who run into the worse of these odds, keep in mind that the benefits of Paxil, for some women, may outweigh the risks to the fetus. The potential danger to the fetus from Paxil is that it may develop holes in the walls of its heart chambers. These can be extremely severe, but they can also be so minor that they repair on their own. Paxil is still FDA approved, taking into consideration the new warning label.
While this is a serious matter, the best way to deal with any concerns you may have is to consult your doctor and personal injury lawyer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jacoby & Meyers.
