Reglan

Reglan (generic name, Metoclopramide) is a prescription drug used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux disease or heartburn in patients who have used other medications without relief of symptoms. Reglan is also used to treat slow gastric emptying in people with diabetes (also called diabetic gastroparesis), which can cause intense nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness after meals. Reglan works by increasing the muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract which speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines.

Reglan is available in the form of tablets, oral syrup, and injections. The medication is approved for short-term use only, in periods of no longer than three months. Many patients, however, have been prescribed the medication for longer periods of time. In February 2009, the FDA mandated that manufacturers of Regaln must add boxed warnings to their drug labels about the serious risk of the drug's long-term or high-dose use.

Recently published studies have found that Reglan/Metoclopramide is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders and have linked long-term use to the development of tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD is a serious and potentially permanent neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It often leads to involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and extremities and can occur even after the drug is no longer taken. There is also concern that breastfed babies can contract TD from their mothers who take the drug. There is currently no effective treatment for the disorder.

Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia include:

• Facial grimacing and rapid eye blinking
• Involuntary, repetitious movements of the jaw, tongue, lips, or neck
• Rapid, involuntary movements of the hands, fingers, arms, legs, trunk, and shoulders

Reglan users have reported other serious side effects including:

• mask-like appearance of the face
• fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing
• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• hallucinations, anxiety, agitation, jittery feeling, trouble staying still
• swelling, fluid retention
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
• seizure (convulsions)

Patients who have taken Reglan for longer than 12 weeks and have symptoms of tardive dyskinesia are encouraged to contact the Monsour Law Firm for a free consultation. Our attorneys will provide you with the legal advice you need to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your illness or injuries.