Reglan
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Reglan is a prescription drug used to treat heartburn and a number of gastrointestinal conditions. This prescription drug carries a variety of side effects, including an increased risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia, which can cause long-term involuntary twitches. If you or a loved one has suffered due to Reglan, please contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC today.
About Reglan
Reglan, also known by its generic name, metoclopramide, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term treatment of diabetic gastric stasis and gastric reflux (heartburn). Reglan was designed to be a last resort when all other medications had failed. The FDA does not recommend taking this drug for more than 12 weeks, yet studies show that one-third of patients are prescribed Reglan for more than three months.
The FDA’s “Black Box” Warning
In February of 2009, the FDA required the drug’s manufacturing company, Schwarz Pharma, to include "black box" warning labels. This warning is the strongest the FDA can mandate without pulling the drug from the market. This serious warning stated that people who used Reglan are at an increased risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia (TD).
About Tardive Dyskinesia
TD is a condition that causes involuntary repetitive movements (twitches) in your hands, face and body. It is a devastating, often lifelong condition that affects patients physically, mentally and socially.
Most common among patients who are taking long-term, high doses of Reglan, TD can cause movements such as lip smacking, rapid blinking and other embarrassing involuntary movements. These may progress to more serious movements that can cause injuries. Sadly, TD symptoms can continue long after you stop taking the medication.
Other Side Effects
Aside from Tardive Dyskinesia, there are a number of other side effects associated with Reglan, including:
- Depression
- Jaundice
- Agranulocytosis, which can lead to osteoporosis
- Seizures
- Tachycardia
- Aldosteronism, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or heart failure
Doctors Should Warn Patients before Prescribing
Any patient taking Reglan or other forms of metoclopramide should have been warned of the risk of Tardive Dyskinesia before being prescribed the medication. FDA studies reveal that about 20 percent of the patients who developed a drug-induced movement disorder had taken the medication for three months or more.
If you or a loved one took Reglan (metoclopramide) and have been diagnosed with Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), please contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC today. We represent clients in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada and can help you win money to cover your medical bills and emotional anguish.
