Reglan

Reglan Draws FDA Recall

On February 26th 2009, over two million people in the United States were told they could develop serious neurological muscle disorders because of the use of metoclopramide, more commonly known as Reglan.

The FDA required all manufacturers of Reglan to place a black box warning on the label. This warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires because of the serious and even life-threatening effects of the drug. While Reglan is used to treat heartburn and certain gastrointestinal disorders by speeding up the rate at which the stomach empties, it is also linked to a serious condition called Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tardive Dyskinesia and Reglan

Tardive Dyskinesia describes involuntary movements throughout one’s body including the face, mouth, tongue, lips, and other body parts. Long term users of the drug, women, children, and the elderly have a greater risk of developing this condition. There is no known cure for Tardive Dyskinesia and symptoms may still persist even after you stop taking Reglan.

Side Effects Include:

• Tardive Dyskinesia
• Tardive Dystonia
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
• Parkinsonian Symptoms
• Galactorrhea
• Amenorrhea
• Gynecomastia
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Hypotension
• Supraventricular Tachycardia
• Bradycardia
• Cardiac Arrest
• Hallucinations
• Jaundice
• Seizures
• Agranulocytosis
• Aldosteronism

Take Immediate Action

If you or a loved one develop serious side effects from the use of Reglan, it is vital you:

• Contact a doctor immediately to discuss the side effects
• Discuss an alternative prescription to Reglan
• Contact a lawyer to find out if you have a claim
  • You may receive compensation for your past hospital bills, lost wages, future living expenses, ongoing treatment costs and other expenses.

Reglan and Children

While Reglan has caused many adults pain and suffering, the ones who have the greatest risk of experiencing life-threatening side effects are children. Many children are affected because their mothers took Reglan during pregnancy or because of a doctor’s recommendation. Now, children all over the United States are experiencing embarrassment, humiliation, and even depression because of the irreversible side effects they will have for the rest of their lives.

Even as infants, children are often prescribed Reglan to treat acid reflux and erosive esophagitis. The FDA has approved the use of Reglan for short-term treatment; however, recent evidence shows that 1/3 of patients were prescribed Reglan for longer than 12 weeks, which is against FDA approval. Because many children were taking the drug for extended period of time, they now suffer with many irreversible neurological disorders. Although many children have varying symptoms after taking Reglan, the two most common and life-changing are tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia.

Warning Signs

Children who suffer from tardive dyskinesia rarely overcome it because there is no known cure or treatment. Symptoms include abnormal muscle movements, which can affect the face, mouth, tongue, eyes, arms, legs, and other body parts. Because of the severity of the symptoms, tardive dyskinesia can also cause difficulty breathing, swallowing, walking, and talking.

Another serious symptom of tardive dyskinesia is known as tardive dystonia. Tardive dystonia is a disorder of the central nervous system and causes sustained muscular contractions. These contractions result in uncontrollable bodily twisting, repetitive motions and unnatural and even painful postures. Just like tardive dyskinesia, tardive dystonia is irreversible.

Too often, parents and even doctors are not aware of the symptoms that can be associated with Reglan. For your information, please consult list of side effects above.

Tardive Dykinesia

While over two million people now have the chance of developing Tardive Dyskinesia because of the use of Reglan, many of them are unaware or have been misdiagnosed because of the lack of knowledge about Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological movement disorder that mimics many other disorders such as Dystonia, Akathisia, Tourettism, and Myoclonus. Often times, doctors mistake these disorders as being Tardive Dyskinesia because there is no single test for clarification.

Classifications of Tardive Dyskinesia

There are three different classifications for Tardive Dyskinesia movements.

• Choreiform
  • Rapid, jerky non-repetitive movements
• Athetoid
  • Slow, continual movements
• Rhythmic
  • Excessive repetitive movements

Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia

As well as these classifications, there are many other signs that exhibit Tardive Dyskinesia.

• Parkinson's like movements
• Involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and cheeks
  • Twitching of the face
  • Lip smacking or pursing
  • Cheek puffing
  • Tongue thrusting
• Finger flicking
• Trunk twisting
• Grimacing
• Impaired finger movement
• Rapid movements of the arms
• Toe tapping
• Moving the leg up and down,
• Twisting and bending of the torso
• Other repetitive, involuntary movements without purpose.

Currently, there is no treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia. Even after the patient stops taking Reglan, the side effects will continue to persist.

The Life-Altering Effects of Tardive Dyskinesia

The effects of Tardive Dyskinesia drain the emotional and physical life of a person. Someone who was vibrant and had full life ahead of them now suffers by just waking up in the morning.

If you or a loved one has experienced any extreme side effects from the use of Reglan, call the Law Offices of Thomas J. Henry. While we cannot reverse the damage this has caused you and your family, we will fight for relief in your future. Call us. 24/7. We are committed to you.