ACE Inhibitor Lawyers

Ace inhibitors, also know as inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme, are used primarily to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure.

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of birth defects if taken during the first three months of pregnancy. ACE inhibitors were already known to pose risks for a developing baby if taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. But this study is the first to point out the possible dangers of ACE inhibitors taken during the first trimester.

If you have suffered from the side effect of an ACE inhibitor, please contact our ACE inhibitor Lawyers Today! Our attorneys will review your legal claim, free of charge.

In the study, the risk of major birth defects in children whose mothers took ACE inhibitors during the first trimester was nearly three times higher than in children whose mothers did not take blood pressure medication. The birth defects ranged from holes in the chambers of the heart to spinal deformations. No increased risk was identified for other blood pressure medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert to warn women and doctors about the possible risk associated with ACE inhibitors during early pregnancy.

Some examples of ACE inhibitors include:

  • Sulfhydryl-containing ACE inhibitors
    • Captopril (Capoten), the first ACE inhibitor
  • Dicarboxylate-containing ACE inhibitors This is the largest group, including:
    • Enalapril (Vasotec / Renitec)
    • Ramipril (Altace / Tritace / Ramace)
    • Quinapril (Accupril)
    • Perindopril (Coversyl)
    • Lisinopril (Lisodur / Lopril / Prinivil / Zestril)
    • Benazepril
  • Phosphonate-containing ACE inhibitors
    • Fosinopril (Monopril), the only  member

If you are pregnant, and have high blood pressure, please consult with your physician about the appropriate treatment options for you and your baby. If you are pregnant and already taking an ACE inhibitor, don’t stop taking the medication or adjust the dose on your own. Ask your doctor about other options right away. Contact your doctor if you have experienced serious side effects associated with ACE inhibitors. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

If you have been injured by an ACE inhibitor, you may be entitled to compensation. For 30 years, the lawyers of Hardison & Cochran have defended those injured or killed because of harmful prescription drugs. We know that the success of each case depends upon the network of experts in the medical and legal field who can work with a firm and the case during its investigation. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your claim. Please know that we appreciate very much the trust you have placed in our firm. Hardison & Cochran serves personal injury and accident victims throughout the state of North Carolina, including, but not limited to, Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Fayetteville, NC.