In 2011, the FDA withdrew certain Zofran products from the market, citing concerns over heart problems in people taking the product. Doctors often prescribe it to control nausea and vomiting following cancer treatments such as radiation or surgery. Furthermore, doctors sometimes give the drug to pregnant women for nausea. If you or a loved one in Georgia is on Zofran, be aware that there may be issues with the use of this medication.
Abnormal heart rhythms
Initially, some forms of Zofran were withdrawn from the market because the drug could cause fast, chaotic heartbeats, a condition often called QT syndrome. The company put a warning label on the product that anyone with the potential for QT syndrome, a genetic disorder, or low potassium or magnesium in their blood should not take this medicine.
Pregnant women
After losing part of the market, the company started advertising the drug to doctors of pregnant women who suffered severe morning sickness. While many mothers experience some morning sickness, the most severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum, can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. A growing body of evidence shows that taking Zofran can lead to birth defects, including cleft palates, kidney malformation and heart issues. If you or a loved one was prescribed Zofran and it resulted in birth defects, then a medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help.
Off-labeling prescriptions
Some doctors were content to use Zofran in only extreme cases where other medications failed, but some prescribed the drug to almost all women who asked about morning sickness. Therefore, the use of this medication is much more widespread than medically advised.
If you, your child or a loved one has medical issues possibly caused by Zofran, then talking to a lawyer may help. A mass tort case may need to be filed to get the company to accept responsibility.