After having established itself as a successful over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, Motrin (generic: ibuprofen) has assisted in the treatment and prevention of fever, pain, and inflammation for nearly 40 years. However, Motrin’s pristine track record has recently been tarnished by evidence that suggests the drug is responsible for severe complications. Subsequently, pregnant women who receive Motrin treatment may significantly increase their risk of giving birth to a child with a distinct set of congenital abnormalities.
If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with congenital abnormalities after taking Motrin 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.
Motrin Birth Defects Lawsuit Overview
Motrin was introduced into interstate commerce as a new molecular entity by McNeil, a pioneer in the pharmaceutical industry. Motrin gained the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 19, 1974. Subsequently, the OTC pain reliever was simultaneously approved to relieve sensations of pain, tenderness, swelling, fever, and inflammation. Ibuprofen, the active ingredient found in Motrin, is in a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Motrin utilizes a distinct mechanism of action to assist in the treatment of pain and swelling. Motrin 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, Motrin 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 Motrin may be responsible for the development of a variety of complications with varying degrees of severity. More specifically, pregnant woman who receive Motrin 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 Motrin and pregnancy, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Motrin birth defects lawsuit.
Motrin Birth Defects
According to an article published Reuters, children born to mothers who took Motrin or similar NSAIDs during pregnancy experienced a three-fold increase in the development of anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Each of which are characterized by the malformation of the eyes. There was also a three-fold increased risk of infants being born with amniotic band syndrome (ABS), a defect that occurs when strands of the amniotic sac tear in the womb and entangle digits, limbs, or other parts of the developing fetus.
Compounding concerns are recent statistics acknowledged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to their studies, anophthalmia and microphthalmia occur in approximately one out of every 5,300 live births in the United States, while ABS was found in about one in 10,000 newborn babies.
The following is a comprehensive list of several Motrin birth defects that are also associated with ibuprofen treatment:
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Spina bifida
- Anophthalmia
- Microphthalmia
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Amniotic band syndrome
NSAID & Motrin Birth Defects Study
As acknowledged by a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NSAIDs like Motrin 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 Motrin 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 Motrin 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 Motrin 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.