Blood Pressure Drug Birth Defects

Blood pressure drugs, particularly those classified as ACE inhibitors, have long been linked to severe birth defects when taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, recent evidence has shown that blood pressure drug birth defects can also occur during the first trimester with this class of drugs. In fact, early exposure to ACE inhibitors nearly triples the risk of drug related birth defects, especially heart defects.

Types of Blood Pressure Drug Birth Defects

In addition to heart defects, use of ACE inhibitors during pregnancy can result in the following blood pressure drug birth defects:

Limb defects
Facial defects
Brain and/or spinal cord defects
Kidney defects

While some blood pressure drug birth defects are easily treated, others can cause permanent disability, mental retardation, or even death.

ACE inhibitors and Blood Pressure Drug Birth Defects

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors are widely used, representing the second-most commonly prescribed drug in the United States. Popular brand name ACE inhibitors include:

Accupril
Aceon
Altace
Capoten
Lotensin
Mavik
Monopril
Prinivil
Univasc
Vasotec
Zestril

Pregnant women who need blood pressure drugs face a unique dilemma in that hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be life threatening to both the mother and her unborn baby. Pregnant women are then put in a position to weigh the benefit of blood pressure drugs with the increased risk of having a baby with a serious blood pressure drug birth defect. Women who are pregnant should discuss the potential for a blood pressure drug birth defect with their doctor and try to determine possible alternatives. A good way to prevent birth defects is to avoid all medications during pregnancy, although this option is not always feasible.

Was Your Child Born With A Birth Defect Caused By Blood Pressure Drugs?

If your baby was born or diagnosed with a birth defect, such as a blood pressure drug birth defect, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses and suffering. Please contact us for a FREE consultation with an experienced birth defect attorney who can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights.

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Blood Pressure Drug Birth Defects

Types of Blood Pressure Drug Birth Defects

ACE inhibitors and Blood Pressure Drug Birth Defects

Was Your Child Born With A Birth Defect Caused By Blood Pressure Drugs?

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