Autism and Terbutaline: Is There a Connection?
Contact the Carter Law Offices in Peoria, Illinois to discuss real legal options with an experienced attorney.
Approximately one in 2,000 children suffers from autism. Recent data suggests that the incidence of autistic spectrum disorders (including Asperger syndrome) and other pervasive developmental disorders such as Rett's disorder or childhood disintegrative disorder is much more prevalent than previously thought.
The apparent rise in recognized cases of autism may also be a consequence of obstetricians or OB/GYN prescribing terbutaline sulfate (marketed under the brand names Brethine and Bricanyl) in an attempt to arrest or treat preterm labor.
If you were prescribed terbutaline during pregnancy and your child has been diagnosed with an autistic-spectrum disorder or other pervasive developmental disorder, you may have real legal options for seeking compensation from those responsible. Please contact the Carter Law Offices today to obtain a free case evaluation and the straightforward answers you deserve.
Premature labor and terbutaline: Does off-label prescription cause autism?
Preterm or premature labor occurs in nearly 20% of all pregnancies in the United States. Obstetricians have utilized numerous methodologies in an attempt to arrest preterm labor because of the issues of survival as well as quality of life due to extremely low birth weight infants. Unfortunately, there is very little data to support the efficacy of most of these efforts.
The term 'off-label' means that a drug is used for a purpose different than what the FDA approves. Terbutaline is an asthma medication that is used off-label to treat preterm labor, even though labeling for the drug specifically stated that it should not be used for management of preterm labor. It is also widely known that terbutaline crosses the placental barrier and therefore blood-brain barrier of the fetus.
FDA warns doctors about the risks of off-label use of terbutaline
In 1995, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued a bulletin warning against the use of terbutaline in such an off label fashion. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to doctors concerning potential dangers associated with use of terbutaline for the treatment or prevention of preterm labor.
Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of brain damage and subsequent cognitive deficit where terbutaline is used during a certain period of time in pre-term labor. Despite the knowledge that terbutaline may play a causal role in the development of autism, many physicians continue to use terbutaline off-label to treat pregnant patients suffering from premature or preterm labor.
Was your child injured by terbutaline? Call 866.361.7674 for help.
If your child has been diagnosed with an autistic disorder and terbutaline was prescribed during the pregnancy, it may be that a link between the two can be established. Please contact the Carter Law Offices in Peoria, Illinois to speak with a respected lawyer who can answer your questions about autism and the fetal brain damage caused by terbutaline.
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