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Zofran is a medication that was developed for the treatment of nausea that is commonly caused by surgical procedures or cancer treatments. It was never intended to be used by pregnant women and it was classified by the FDA as having inadequate research available to determine whether it could cause harm to unborn children.
However, there are reports available that the drug’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, knew that the drug posed significant risks when used for morning sickness in pregnant women. The company chose to market Zofran as a drug that could treat the serious nausea caused by morning sickness.
It was found later that women who used Zofran were about 30 percent more likely to deliver a child with a birth defect, and almost five times more likely to deliver a child with a heart defect. In addition to heart defects, some other defects and medical conditions that were linked to Zofran include cleft palates and lips, brain defects, kidney defects, club foot, and even premature death.
Sadly, pharmaceutical companies that hide the dangers of their drugs is nothing new. Families of children who were impacted by the use of Zofran can sue the drug manufacturers for their damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.