Brethine Autism Lawsuit

Brethine Facts

A medication approved by the Federal Drug Administration, or FDA, for the treatment of asthma, Brethine is one brand name version of a drug called terbutaline in its generic form, and also sold under the brand name Bricanyl. This medication works to relieve the symptoms of asthma by relaxing the bronchial tubes in the lungs, easing the passage of air.

Beginning in 1974, Brethine began to be commonly prescribed for an off label usage, to control preterm labor in pregnant women in the attempt to prevent premature birth. It is believed to work in the uterus in the same manner as it does in the bronchial tubes, relaxing the contractions. However, off label use means that a drug is prescribed for a purpose for which the FDA has not approved it as safe and effective.

Side Effects

In recent years, studies have shown that Brethine has a variety of possible side effects when used in controlling premature labor. Mothers for whom Brethine is prescribed for this purpose can experience issues such as pulmonary edema, dizziness, headaches, increased blood sugar levels, nausea, and irregular or rapid heartbeat. Other, less common side effects can include angina, dangerously low blood pressure, seizures, and calcium or potassium deficiencies. Nervousness and physical tremors, most often in the hands, are also listed among the possible side effects of Brethine.

While the possible side effects of Brethine in expectant mothers can be quite serious, those that can occur in the unborn child can carry lifelong consequences. Studies have linked the administration of Brethine during pregnancy to a number of issues in children that can include brain damage, developmental delays, birth defects, speech delays, movement disorders, and autism.

Brethine Autism Lawsuit Focus

Of course, it is the reported connection to autism and other pervasive developmental disorders that has spurred Brethine autism lawsuit filings. According to a study published in the Autism Advocate, done by Susan L. Connors, M.D., Carlos A. Pardo, M.D. and Andrew W. Zimmerman, M.D., Brethine seems to overstimulate certain receptors in the brain which are critical to normal prenatal brain maturation. This excessive stimulation apparently causes neuroinflammation, which this study and others cite as a possible contributor to the development of autism spectrum disorders.

Due to the link between autism and Brethine suggested by these studies, personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers are urging parents of children with autism who were exposed to the drug during gestation to sue. Ads have been broadcast through various media outlets for the purpose of recruiting clients, many of them offering free case evaluations. Among the issues upon which these cases are built is the unapproved or off label use of the drug, done against the advice of the drug manufacturer, which has issued statements warning against its use as a preterm labor preventative.

Parents who believe their child may have been affected by prenatal exposure to Brethine and are considering a lawsuit should be sure to research their options carefully. While most law firms deal with clients fairly, there are some who will use the misfortune of others for their own profit, charging exorbitant fees for their services, leaving clients to collect very little. Often, fees are structured as a percentage of any award or settlement gained from the case, the amount varying from one law firm to the next. Be sure to read the fine print before committing yourself to any legal agreement, making sure that fees or percentages are reasonable. Checking into the reputation of any law firm you are considering for representation is wise, and can be done by contacting the local Better Business Bureau or Bar Association to check for consumer complaints.