Provigil and Nuvigil Sleep-Disorder Medicine Linked to Birth Defects
Provigil and Nuvigil, two brand-name sleep-disorder medicines, are connected to birth defects, among other health concerns. If you have taken or are taking either of these sleep-disorder medications, you should understand how they may have caused harm to you or your child.
What Is Provigil? What Is Nuvigil?
Provigil is the brand name for the generic drug modafinil, which is a prescription medicine that treats sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and shift work disorder. Provigil is classified as a stimulant medication and can improve your attentiveness and energy. Other trade names for modafinil are Modavigil and Alertec.
Nuvigil, which is the brand name for the generic drug armodafinil, is very similar to Provigil. Both prescription drugs can improve wakefulness and diminish the effects of sleep disorders.
Provigil and Nuvigil are marketed to numerous groups of people, including:
- Night-shift workers
- People struggling with narcolepsy
- People who are overweight and suffering from sleep apnea
Provigil and Nuvigil Side Effects and Injuries
Provigil and Nuvigil side effects and injuries are associated with taking either of the sleep-disorder medications. These drugs can cause birth defects for the children of mothers who used these medications while pregnant.
Teva Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Provigil and Nuvigil, confirmed in 2019 that the drugs can cause congenital health issues. The company issued a statement to health care professionals in Europe regarding modafinil birth defects.
The most common Provigil and Nuvigil birth defects include:
- Congenital heart defects
- Orofacial clefts (cleft lip or cleft palate)
- Hypospadias
- Microcephaly
If you’re pregnant and have a prescription for Provigil or Nuvigil, you should speak with your doctor before taking the drug any further.
Provigil and Nuvigil Lawsuits and Other Legal Claims
Unfortunately, for years, consumers and expectant mothers did not know of the sleep-medicine side effects — and how these drugs could harm their fetus. They were unaware of the Provigil and Nuvigil birth effects, and the manufacturer was accused of not issuing a notice early enough to warn the general public.
Legal options are available to you if your child has been affected by these drugs. Lawyers are accepting cases involving Provigil or Nuvigil birth defects resulting from pregnant women using one or both of these medications.
Provigil and Nuvigil claims have helped many victims pay for surgeries and other treatment. Your legal options may include:
- Individual Provigil lawsuits
- Individual Nuvigil lawsuit
- Provigil class action lawsuits
- Nuvigil class action lawsuits
Help Answering Your Questions About Provigil and Nuvigil
There are quite a few unanswered or complicated questions regarding Provigil and Nuvigil. Most questions are regarding the risks of using these sleep medicines, particularly if pregnant.
Our website can answer some of the most common questions, including ones about Provigil lawsuits and Nuvigil lawsuits. Our “Frequently Asked Questions” page has answers to the most important questions about sleep-medicine side effects, Provigil and Nuvigil compensation, and more topics.