Paxil's Off-Label Promotions to Pregnant Women
As the number of lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline mount over allegations that the antidepressant Paxil caused birth defects, evidence that the drug’s maker targeted pregnant women as a market has also surfaced, The Public Record reports.
The article “Number of Paxil-Related Birth Defect Cases Soar,” written by Evelyn Pringle extensively reviews the drug’s history. As we discussed in our previous blog entry, information has surfaced that suggests GlaxoSmithKline tried to bury evidence that the antidepressant was linked to birth defects when the drug was prescribed to pregnant women.
In addition, Pringle’s article discusses attempts by GSK to market the antidepressant to pregnant women and women of child bearing age even though the FDA had not approved it for use in pregnant women.
Dr. Lee Mangin, an expert witness in an upcoming case against GSK, reviewed the company’s promotional materials.
Pringle writes in her article that a report by Magin concluded:
“GlaxoSmithKline from 2000 mounted a multifaceted and targeted national promotional campaign that employed explicit strategies designed to promote sales of Paxil in pregnant women and women of reproductive age.”An exhibit cited in the report from a “Paxil Tactical Marketing Plan in 2000,” states: “New Paxil data with high media interest, hot flash, postpartum, depression, pregnancy, and lactation will position Paxil as the drug of choice for women.”
“ParentDish” blogger Monique El-Faizy wrote a post about The Public Record’s story and asked GSK to comment. Predictably, the antidepressant’s maker claims there is not enough evidence to link taking Paxil during pregnancy and birth defects.
If you or a loved one has experienced a Paxil birth defect, contact the attorneys of Carey Danis & Lowe. We can help. Carey Danis & Lowe is a national law firm that represents individuals injured by America’s largest corporations.
