–January 3, 2007
The parents of a young girl born with a serious heart malformation recently filed a Paxil birth defect lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline, alleging that the antidepressant caused their daughter’s condition.
Taylor Dismuke, now six years old, suffers from a cardiac defect that required two open-heart surgeries within the first year of her life. Additional operations will be necessary as she grows. She won’t be able to participate in dancing, cheerleading, gymnastics, anything like that, said her mother, Kimberly Dismuke. Because of her condition, Taylor must also take potent medications that will prevent her from ever having a child of her own.
Paxil Risks
According to the complaint, the maker of Paxil failed to inform users that the drug could cause birth defects in babies born to women who take the antidepressant during pregnancy.
In September 2005, GlaxoSmithKline released information linking Paxil to an increased risk of heart defects when used by pregnant women. Last month, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advised that pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant avoid the drug.
Attorney for the Dismuke family, Andy Vickery, said he strongly believes that Paxil caused Taylor’s condition. Shannon and Kimberly have no family history of birth defects in their families. They’ve been genetically tested. There’s no indication that’s a problem, said Vickery.
The Lawsuit
The claim was filed in South Carolina and is believed to be the first Paxil birth defect lawsuit in the state. The case is expected to go to trial in Greeneville next year.
We hope that it is the first case in this country to go to trial in which GlaxoSmithKline will be held accountable for its corporate decisions that place moms at risk of birth defects, Vickery said.
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