Studies Have Found a Link Between Lexapro and Birth Defects
Lexapro has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects including septal heart defects. A study published in 2010 in the Clinical Epidemiology Journal found that Lexapro could increase the risk of fetal malformations, particularly septal defects.
Additionally, the FDA issued a warning in 2006, for all SSRIs including Lexapro, regarding the association between persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (“PPHN”) and SSRIs.
Forest Laboratories has been plagued by controversy since its development of Lexapro. In 2004, Forest Laboratories was accused of illegally marketing Lexapro for use n children and teenagers. Forest Laboratories pled guilty to obstruction of justice and illegally promoting its drugs Lexapro and Celexa and paid $313 million including $164 million in criminal penalties.
Recently, Forest Laboratories also faced lawsuits stemming from a lack of warning regarding the association between Lexapro and suicidal ideation. The FDA forced Forest Laboratories to place a black box warning, the highest warning available, on Lexapro’s packaging.