Pennsylvania Reglan Lawsuit Attorneys
The dangerous drug side effect attorney at Marcus & Mack are now helping people who have suffered side effects after taking products containing the drug Metoclopramide or Reglan
It has recently been reported that the drug Metoclopramide (also referred to by the brand name Reglan) which is prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders (GERD) and nausea has been linked to a serious movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. Reglan has been prescribed not only for acid reflux, but also for women who are pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, breastfeeding mothers, infants and children and for nausea associated with migraines.
Chronic Use of Reglan Linked To Tardive Dyskinesia
Chronic use of Reglan leaves patients vulnerable to breathing problems, abdominal pain, tardive dyskinesia, and other health issues. Recent reports have come about that highlight a potential link between patients who use metoclopramide containing drugs like Reglan and the development of a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. This condition is one that features the following common symptoms, according to a public health warning issued by the FDA on January 26,2009:
- Random movements of body
- Involuntary/ repetitive movements of the extremities
- Lip smacking, pursing and puckering
- Grimacing
- Tongue protrusion
- Rapid eye movements or blinking
- Swaying of trunk and hips
- Impaired movement of the fingers.
Unfortunately, these symptoms are rarely reversible and there is no accepted treatment for them at this time.
Symptoms Similar to Parkinson's Disease
Many of the side effects that result from chronic Reglan use are similar to those that are characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Like tardive dyskinesia, Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition. Symptoms can include muscular stiffness and rigidity, persistent tremors, and Bradykinesia (slow movements). Drugs containing metoclopramide can also worsen Parkinson's disease; patients who already suffer from the disorder should avoid them.
Reglan linked to Depression
Depression has also been linked to established cases of Reglan use over a long period of time. Patients have reported having suicidal feelings and thoughts. Use of metoclopramide can potentially trigger or aggravate symptoms related to depression. Patients who have a history of depression should inform their doctor before taking the drug. If symptoms emerge after using it, patients should immediately call their physician.
What does the FDA do?
When a drug draws unwanted attention in cases such as this one, the FDA has a few remedies available. At this point, two have been executed. The first is the requirement of a 'black box warning' that's to be affixed to all products containing metoclopramide that must detail the risk of the side effects. The second remedy is the requirement that a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS, be done. The REMS is designed to weigh the risks vs. the reward of using this product and to provide additional warning to users of these products.
Brand Names of Metoclopramide Products
The FDA listed several brand names of metoclopramide-containing products including:
- Reglan® Tablets
- Reglan® Oral Disintegrating Tablets
- Reglan® Injection
- Metoclopramide Oral Solution
How often is Reglan prescribed?
Gastrointestinal disorders affect countless people around the world, and these problems can arise in several different ways. Unfortunately, there is no real 'cure' for many of these disorders, but many drug companies have tried to develop medications that will at least mitigate the problems associated with gastrointestinal conditions. Many different products have been developed but all seem to include metoclopramide. Metoclopramide is a substance that helps to speed the movement of a patient's stomach muscles, thereby shortening the time in which it takes for the stomach contents to empty into the intestines.
It is estimated that more than two million people in the United States use products containing metoclopramide. Recently published analysis by the FDA suggest that metoclopramide is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders or tardive dyskinesia. Another analysis of data by the FDA showed that about 20 percent of patients in that study who used metoclopramide took it for longer than three months. The FDA has also become aware of continued spontaneous reports of tardive dyskinesia in patients who used metoclopramide, the majority of whom had taken the drug for more than three months.
Other Reglan Precautions And Warnings
The packaging on Reglan medication also warns that the drug should only be taken by adults. Furthermore, geriatric patients are considered more likely to manifest certain side effects with prolonged use.
Even though Reglan has proven to be an effective short-term remedy for gastroesophageal reflux disease and other conditions, chronic use carries a potentially significant cost. If you or a loved one has taken Reglan over a period of more than 3 months and have experienced any type of negative reaction we invite you to call our law office for a free evaluation of your case.
Why Marcus & Mack
The defective product attorneys at Marcus & Mack have spent the majority of their career helping those who have been injured by the fault of someone else. Reglan cases are no different than any other type of personal injury lawsuit - you or your loved one has been seriously injured by the negligence of another party and you deserve compensation for your permanent injuries.
Call our 24 Hour Personal Injury Hotline at 866-527-2161(Toll Free) to speak to a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney or contact our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers via email for a free evaluation of your potential Reglan lawsuit.
Marcus & Mack - Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers
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