Cataflam (generic: diclofenac) is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever intended to treat several conditions. It was developed to assist in the treatment and prevention of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Though it has proven capable alleviating such symptoms, recent studies suggest that the introduction of Cataflam may coincide with complications. Women who receive Cataflam treatment during pregnancy may significantly increase their risk of giving birth to a child with a distinct set of severe, life-threatening birth defects.
If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with congenital abnormalities after taking Cataflam during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Cataflam Birth Defects Lawsuit Overview
Cataflam was introduced to the U.S. market by Novartis, an industry leader in the pharmaceutical industry, on November 24, 1993. Prior to its release, Cataflam was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The active ingredient responsible for such treatment, diclofenac, is in a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Cataflam utilizes a distinct mechanism of action to assist in the treatment of pain and swelling. Cataflam is able to prohibit the actions of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme responsible for the production of prostagladins and thromboxane. Subsequently, prostagladins and thromboxane act as catalysts for the process of inflammation. Therefore, by preventing the actions of cyclooxygenase, Cataflam assists in the treatment of pain and swelling.
Unfortunately, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between NSAIDs and catastrophic complications. Researchers believe that the pharmacodynamics of Cataflam may be responsible for the development of a variety of complications with varying degrees of severity. More specifically, pregnant woman who receive Cataflam treatment may significantly increase their risk of giving birth to a child with serious anatomical defects that may affect their quality of life in a profound way. Due to the risks associated with Cataflam and pregnancy, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Cataflam birth defects lawsuit.
Cataflam Birth Defects
The following Cataflam birth defects have been associated with the use of the popular NSAID:
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Spina bifida
- Anophthalmia
- Microphthalmia
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Amniotic band syndrome
NSAID & Cataflam Birth Defects Study
As acknowledged by a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NSAIDs like Cataflam may be responsible for a moderate increase in the development of several birth defects. Accordingly, the study was conducted to determine if the use of NSAIDs during early pregnancy are associated with a distinct range of structural and anatomical birth defects.
As a multi-site population-based, case control study of risk factors for birth defects, officials examined women from all over the United Sates. During the course of the interview process, women were frequently asked about the specific NSAID drugs they took during their first trimester of pregnancy.
Among the women who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 22.6% reported the use of NSAIDs in their first trimester of pregnancy, most commonly ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Out of the 29 defect groups examined, several exhibited a small to moderate increase after ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen exposure.
Several abnormalities exhibited a larger increase in their occurrence rate than others. Distinct birth defects were slightly increased in babies whose mothers reported taking ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen during their first trimester of pregnancy. The risk of cleft palate rose by as much as 80% in some cases, while spina bifida jumped by 60%.
Do I Have a Cataflam Birth Defects Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Cataflam birth defects lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has given birth to a child with congenital abnormalities after taking Cataflam during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.