Terbutaline is a generic version of name-brand drugs Brethine and Bricanyl. The generic drug is commonly used “off label” to halt pre-term labor, lengthen pregnancy and prevent premature birth. Annually, approximately 1 million women are treated with terbutaline for this purpose.
Terbutaline is actually used to treat asthma, making its use to control pre-term labor highly controversial. Some physicians contend that the drug is dangerous while others say it is no more effective at prolonging labor than a placebo. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved uses of terbutaline for anything other than controlling asthma.
Recent studies have raised concerns that the drug may have a profound, negative impact on an unborn baby’s brain development due to overstimulation of certain brain activity. Overstimulation could lead to autism, particularly in twins.
Further, the study’s findings suggest that exposure to drugs like terbutaline early in development could leave the brains of children susceptible to damage from environmental chemicals, such as pesticides. This means that when mothers are given terbutaline during pregnancy, even those children who escape the trauma of autism at birth could remain at risk for the condition for years after birth.
Contact the Birth Injury Attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Kreb LLP
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP is currently investigating cases of fraternal twins diagnosed with autism after the mother was treated with terbutaline during pregnancy. If you or someone you love has autistic fraternal twins, please contact us for professional insight. You and your child have rights. We can help.
