Do you have an infant child you expect may be affected by Dexilant birth defects or Dexilant heart defects? If so, you may be eligible to file a Dexilant lawsuit, which could result in the recovery of compensation to help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
PPI Drugs Linked with Dexilant Birth Defects
Dexilant is one of several acid-reducing drugs prescribed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where frequent heartburn can damage the esophagus. Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work to reduce stomach acid.
Dexilant is similar to other PPI drugs including Prevacid, Protonix, and Nexium, though each drug is broken down differently by the liver and may react differently with other medications. In 2010, the FDA warned that PPI drugs like Dexilant may increase the risk of certain bone fractures, particularly at high doses and when used for long periods of time. Recent tests have now indicated that Dexilant may also increase the risk for Dexilant birth defects, particularly Dexilant heart defects.
Studies Indicate Potential Dexilant Heart Defects
In a 2010 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, about 3½ percent of the infants whose mothers were exposed to PPI medications like Dexilant between four weeks before conception to the end of the first trimester were born with birth defects.
A second 2010 study of over 200,000 women published in Gastroenterology also found that those using PPI medications in the first trimester were twice as likely to have a baby with birth defects like Dexilant heart defects. Many times these included Dexilant birth defects like septal heart defects, in which the baby was born with a hole in the wall between the chambers of the heart. Dexilant heart defects cause improper circulation of the blood and may increase pressure in the lungs and make it difficult for the baby to breathe.
Dexilant Lawsuit Likely to Blame Manufacturer for Lack of Warnings
So far, no warnings exist on the product label to help increase awareness about potential Dexilant birth defects or Dexilant heart defects. Meanwhile, many mothers suffer from severe heartburn during pregnancy, and remain unaware of the risks when taking PPI drugs like Dexilant to treat the condition.
A potential Dexilant lawsuit would likely blame manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals for failing to conduct adequate studies to determine the safety of the drug, and for failing to warn physicians and patients of the potential risks for Dexilant birth defects.
A Dexilant Birth Defects Lawyer May be Able to Help
Parents who have had a child with Dexilant birth defects or Dexilant heart defects may be eligible for a Dexilant lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been injured by Dexilant or have a child with Dexilant birth defects, contact Chaffin Luhana LLP today for a confidential case evaluation at 1-888-480-1123.
