In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication stating the anti-nausea drug Zofran may increase the risk of potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms. Patients at particular risk of changes in the electrical activity of the heart include those with underlying heart conditions. 

Originally Zofran was prescribed with the intention of preventing nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. However, doctors then started to prescribe Zofran to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. Since then, lawsuits have been filed arguing first trimester Zofran exposure is linked to a higher risk of birth defects.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is not only the manufacturer of Zofran, but also the listed defendant in more than 193 lawsuits filed regarding the drug. Forbes listed GSK as the sixth largest drug company in the world in 2014, with $35 billion in revenue that year.

In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline agreed to plead guilty and pay $3 billion to settle criminal and civil fraud charges. These charges included promoting Zofran and other drugs "in a manner that is false or misleading," the Department of Justice said in a July 2012 statement.

If you or a loved one has taken Zofran, it’s important to be aware of the potential effects and your rights. If you have immediate medical concerns, consult with your primary physician. The Law Offices of Foster & Houston will continue to share important news involving Zofran to help you stay informed. You can learn more about Zofran by visiting our website.

Sources: FDA Safety Communication, Courthouse News Service, and BBC News