ZOFRAN AND BIRTH DEFECTS 

ZOFRAN is a prescription drug sold by GlaxoSmithKline for control of vomiting and nausea.  It is intended to be used by people who have had chemotherapy and radiation that makes them sick.  When a drug has a specific purpose, it is listed in the company’s information sheet under “INDICATIONS”.  Zofran is “indicated” for nausea in cancer patients.

GlaxoSmithKline has also been promoting Zofran to doctors for pregnant women who are experiencing morning sickness.  Morning sickness is NOT listed in the “indications” part of GlanxoSmithKline’s information sheet, so its use for pregnant women is called “OFF LABEL”.  GlaxoSmithKline’s sales people actively promote this “OFF LABEL” use to doctors.

There are studies which show that pregnant women who take Zofran are twice as likely to have children with birth defects such as cleft palates and heart defects.  If you took Zoran during pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect, call us, fill in our response form or click on the chat window to speak to an operator now; we may be able to help.