In the early 1980s, Reglan was introduced to the public in its generic form metoclopramide. One of the more serious side effects of Reglan is tardive dyskinesia. Reglan was prescribed by physicians to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, and post-chemotherapy nausea. In the case of GERD, metoclopramide triggered contractions within the stomach muscles. The contractions accelerated the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract and thereby, prevented it from washing back into the esophagus. Please contact us for the lastest information on Reglan lawsuit settlements and filing deadlines.

It wasn’t long before incidents of tardive dyskinesia among patients began to emerge. In the nearly three decades that have passed, the link between Reglan and TD has become much stronger. In February 2009, the growing number of cases prompted the FDA to issue their black box warning on metoclopramide. The warning specifically emphasizes the dangers of developing TD with chronic use of the drug.

This article will focus upon the challenges of diagnosing Reglan-induced tardive dyskinesia and common symptoms that patients display. I’ll also explain the difficulties with regard to treating the condition.

Challenges With Diagnosing Tardive Dyskinesia

The most significant obstacle with diagnosing TD is that a standardized test does not exist. Instead, diagnosis often involves multiple doctors and a battery of examinations, both physical and psychological. A patient’s complete medical history must also be reviewed. Diagnosing the condition is made still more challenging because the symptoms can manifest sporadically. In other words, physicians may have nothing to observe when they’re trying to identify the problem.

Studies have shown that patients who use metoclopramide drugs for longer than three months are particularly vulnerable to developing tardive dyskinesia. The problem is that patients may present symptoms that are similar to TD, but are actually attributable to other disorders. For example, dystonia is characterized by involuntary movements that are very similar to TD. Akathisia displays as a persistent restlessness or inability to sit still; like tardive dyskinesia, it is triggered by dopamine blockers.

While these factors complicate an accurate diagnosis of TD, doctors have been able to identify specific muscle groups and their movements among patients.

Common Symptoms

Among the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, the most noticeable are repetitive facial grimacing, tongue thrusting, blinking, and lip puckering and smacking. But, the condition is not limited to the facial area. Patients who have developed TD as the result of chronic use of metoclopramide drugs may also exhibit signs in their limbs and digits. For example, light, persistent tremors in the hands and fingers will display. So too, might the victim’s arms sway or move quickly. The patient’s toes might tap and her legs might move up and down. In severe cases, the victim’s midsection and upper body will twist uncontrollably.

Is The Condition Treatable?

The most devastating factor of Reglan-induced tardive dyskinesia is that the condition is incurable. Once TD manifests, the symptoms can be treated to reduce their severity, but the disorder itself cannot be eliminated. What’s more, treatment is not homogeneous. Each patient’s circumstances must be reviewed before a doctor will prescribe treatment. Then, one of several possible medications (for example, oxypertine or tetrabenazine), acetylcholine blockers, and drugs normally used to treat Parkinson’s disease may be prescribed.

Metoclopramide-induced tardive dyskinesia is a lifelong, debilitating condition that carries a severe social, emotional, and financial cost. If you have been diagnosed with it, consider contacting a Reglan lawyer to discuss your options including filing a Tardive Dyskinesia Reglan lawuit.

Metoclopramide, a medicine sold under the brand name of Reglan, has been prescribed for people suffering from nausea or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But if you are taking or have taken metoclopramide, you should know about a serious complication that can develop from long-term use. Please contact us if you or a family member has suffered involuntary movement side effects and we will help explain your legal options including being part of a Reglan lawsuit.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or its less serious version, gastroesophageal reflux (or acid reflux), occurs when food that has entered the stomach backs up and re-enters the esophagus. As the food re-enters the esophagus, stomach acids also enter the esophagus, causing heartburn. Over time, continuous irritation can cause inflammation and damage to the esophagus.

Metoclopramide, or Reglan, increases the contractions in the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. It also blocks a chemical in the brain called dopamine, in an effort to decrease nausea.

This is where scientists believe the problem with metoclopramide resides. Dopamine is an important factor in how the brain controls movement, and some people who have taken metoclopramide for more than three months have developed a movement disorder called Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tardive Dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements. These movements may involve smaller muscles, such as rapid blinking of the eyelids, or larger muscle groups, such as continuous tapping of the fingers or toes. People with Tardive Dyskinesia may also have prominent involuntary movement of their arms, legs, neck or torso.

Doctors can diagnose Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia using an Abnormal Inventory Movement Scale (AIMS). During a visual exam, doctors will determine the frequency and degree of involuntary movement to diagnose the severity of the condition.

The FDA has issued a warning about the use of metoclopramide and Reglan, particularly for long-term use. However, this warning comes too late for some. Ironically, because gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition, many patients have used metoclopramide for longer than the recommended three-month period, and therefore become more at risk for developing Tardive Dyskinesia.

Another complication is that the movement condition may not be obvious when the medicine is first taken. In fact, the term “tardive” means late and the term “dyskinesia” means movement, referring to the fact that symptoms may not appear until after the medicine has been discontinued.

For some patients who have Tardive Dyskinesia, discontinuing the medicine may ease the symptoms. Some patients recover over time. However, some patients continue to have uncontrollable and abnormal movements. While other medicines may be prescribed to help diminish the movements, for other patients, there is no cure.

If you have been diagnosed with Tardive Dyskinesia or have symptoms of the condition, you should know about your legal options including filing a Reglan lawsuit. We represent all clients suffering from side effects from metoclopramide and Reglan on a contingency basis. There are never any legal fees until we win compensation on your case. Please contact us and a Reglan attorney will help explain your options.

People continue to be concerned regarding the link between Reglan (the branded equivalent of metoclopramide) and a number of severe side effects. Many people who have developed serious movement disorder problems have sought the advice of a Reglan attorney for help in finding out their legal options.Some people who have taken the drug are suffering from tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and other disorders. Unfortunately, there remains a significant amount of confusion among victims. Some don’t fully comprehend the connection between metoclopramide products and the side effects they trigger. Others understand the connection, but are unaware of their options. I’ll answer the five most common questions asked about Reglan and its side effects below.

#1 – Why Is Reglan Used?

Reglan is prescribed as a short-term treatment path for a number of conditions. Patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic gastroparesis, extreme morning sickness, and post-chemotherapy nausea can gain relief from taking the drug.

It is commonly prescribed to relieve severe heartburn which results when a patient’s stomach contents move up into the esophagus. Metoclopramide encourages the lower esophageal sphincter to close while causing small contractions within the GI tract. Those contractions help empty the stomach’s contents into the intestines.

#2 – Why Did The FDA Issue A Black Box Reglan Warning?

In February 2009, the FDA issued their highest alert about drugs containing metoclopramide. For years, data supporting the link between these products and the development of tardive dyskinesia has continued to accumulate. Studies have revealed that taking Reglan over periods exceeding three months greatly increase a patient’s susceptibility to this neurological disorder. The FDA black box warning was issued to protect the public. Due to the FDA’s mandate, product labeling is now required to explain the risks associated with using the drug metoclopramide.

#3 – What Is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder in which victims display involuntary, repetitive movements in the facial area and extremities. These might include lip smacking, tongue protrusions, and rapid blinking. The condition has been directly linked to taking neuroleptic drugs over long periods or in high doses. In fact, recent studies have shown that metoclopramide use is the leading cause of tardive dyskinesia.

Sadly, the condition is incurable. While the symptoms will often diminish – and occasionally disappear altogether – when a patient stops using Reglan, it does not happen in all cases. To that end, treatment is often prescribed on an individual basis to help manage the twitching, grimacing, and other movements.

#4 – Is Metoclopramide Linked To Other Side Effects?

Using drugs containing metoclopramide can lead to several other debilitating side effects. For example, victims might develop symptoms that are similar to those associated with Parkinson’s disease. Such symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors or muscular rigidity. It is also common for cardiovascular, endocrinal, and gastrointestinal symptoms to manifest. In rare cases, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially fatal condition, might develop.

#5 – What Are My Legal Options?

Victims of Reglan-induced tardive dyskinesia and other side effects might have legal recourse. There are allegations that manufacturers of metoclopramide products were negligent in several ways. They knew – but did not inform the public – that there were significant dangers related to long-term use of the drug. In fact, on packaging inserts, some argue that manufacturers may have misrepresented the chances of developing tardive dyskinesia by a factor of 100.

Many individual cases have already been filed against these companies. Victims who are suffering from severe side effects that were triggered by the drug metoclopramide are stepping forward to hold these companies accountable. You can do the same. Contact a Reglan attorney to learn about your legal options.

This article will explore the use of the the Reglan drug in the context of increasing a nursing mother’s milk supply. I’ll explain why doctors prescribe the drug for this purpose. We’ll also take a look at a few of the potential side effects that can result from chronic use.

Does Reglan Stimulate Milk Production?

The brain produces and secretes a peptide hormone called prolactin; this hormone is directly associated with the production of breast milk. Normally, prolactin is produced after childbirth by the sensation of a baby nursing. However, the brain may not produce levels that are necessary for adequate lactation. This is the reason many doctors prescribe metoclopramide drugs for women who are breastfeeding their babies.

Reglan stimulates the production of prolactin and thereby, increases a mother’s milk supply. In most cases, women are instructed by their doctors to take a 10-milligram tablet four times daily for a week. There is usually a marked increase in breast milk supply within three days.

Having said that, women who are unable to sustain an adequate supply may be tempted to take metoclopramide products for far longer periods, or in higher doses. Both pose a significant risk. Studies have shown that taking Reglan for periods longer than three months sharply increases the risk of developing severe long-term side effects.

Passing Reglan Drugs From Mom To Infant

When a nursing woman takes drugs containing metoclopramide, a portion is passed along to her infant through her breast milk. Under normal circumstances, this exposure has little impact on her baby; the portion that is passed along is small. What’s more, assuming the mother only uses Reglan during the first week, and only in the prescribed doses, her infant’s vulnerability is limited. That said, high-dose or chronic use of the drug carries a considerable level of risk of developing neurological disorders such as tardive dyskinesia for the mother while the potential effects on the unborn child are still unknown to a large degree.

Tardive Dyskinesia And Other Possible Side Effects

Taking metoclopramide drugs in high doses or for periods exceeding three months can lead to a host of acute side effects. One of the most prevalent is tardive dyskinesia, an involuntary movement disorder. Outward manifestations include uncontrollable facial grimacing, repetitive tongue protrusions, and rapid blinking. It is incurable; victims are often forced to endure the spasms, tics, and discomfort for the rest of their lives.

Depression is another possible side effect of chronic Reglan use. This is particularly worrisome in nursing mothers; the potential of postpartum depression can be exacerbated by taking the drug.

Metoclopramide products can help increase a nursing mother’s milk supply, but there are risks involved with taking them. By understanding those risks, women who are breastfeeding can limit their exposure and avoid developing debilitating disorders such as tardive dyskinesia. For a free, no-obligation consultation please contact us and a Reglan attorney will help answer your questions.

Over the last several years, there has been an increase in the number of people reporting serious side effects after taking drugs containing metoclopramide. Below, I’ll describe the nature of this trend and explain why it is occurring. We’ll also explore the reason a growing number of victims are filing a Reglan side effects lawsuit.

The Dangers Of Chronic Metoclopramide Use

When used over short periods of time to treat reflux-related conditions and their associated symptoms, metoclopramide has proven to be effective. However, therein lies the problem. Many people are unaware that long-term use of the drug exposes them to significant risk of developing devastating side effects.

Because Reglan is effective in treating symptoms that would otherwise cause significant discomfort, many patients take the drug for months. As a result, the number of victims who are suffering from serious side effects is growing. The problem has become so widespread that the FDA issued a black box warning on all Reglan products in early 2009.

Why Victims Are Filing Reglan Lawsuits

Studies have shown that patients who use metoclopramide products for longer than twelve weeks are in danger of developing tardive dyskinesia, an incurable neurological condition. Symptoms include involuntary grimacing, lip smacking, eye blinking, and thrusting of the tongue. Patients may also manifest symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, including muscular rigidity and tremors. In rare cases, neuroleptic malignant syndrome might present.

Some people suggest Reglan manufacturers were not only aware of the dangers, but also neglected to share that information with doctors and the public. In fact, recent metoclopramide lawsuits have pointed out that manufacturers knowingly misrepresented the level of risk involved. They knew the danger of developing tardive dyskinesia was greater than disclosed. There are further indications that manufacturers chose not to look into whether their labeling was accurate, even after a public safety issue had been identified.

Victims who are suffering from Reglan-induced tardive dyskinesia and other side effects are stepping forward to hold these manufacturers responsible. They are filing lawsuits claiming damages. Indeed, living with tardive dyskinesia carries not only a social and emotional cost, but a financial one, as well.

Understanding Your Legal Options

The FDA’s black box warning on metoclopramide products will help prevent thousands of people from developing and enduring Reglan-induced side effects. But, the warning has come too late for many others. The drug was introduced in the 1980s; several years passed before the medical community realized the inherent risks. Even today, millions of people are unaware regarding the dangers of long-term metoclopramide use. If you have developed tardive dyskinesia or other side effects from using this drug, contact a Reglan lawyer to explore your legal options.

Reglan lawsuits continue to be filed by individuals and families affected by serious side effects including Tardive Dyskinesia. Pregnant women have been using drugs containing metoclopramide (the generic version of Reglan) in order to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with morning sickness. To be sure, these drugs can effectively minimize vomiting and nausea. By triggering muscle contractions within the gastrointestinal tract, they help empty the stomach more quickly, allowing the contents to enter the intestines. However, the safety of using these products is still hotly debated.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on Reglan products in February 2009. The impetus behind the warning (since published) was a doubling of the number of adverse effects related to the use of metoclopramide drugs between 2006 and 2008. The boxed warning, along with this recent data, has renewed interest in the debate regarding whether it is safe to use these products during pregnancy.

Below, we’ll approach this topic from the context of a recent study released by the New England Journal of Medicine. I’ll summarize their findings and explain what the study fails to reveal.

Overview Of NEJM’s Recent Reglan Study

In June 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study titled, “The Safety Of Metoclopramide Use In The First Trimester of Pregnancy.” In this report, they revealed their findings based upon a population size of 81,703 infants born in Israel. Of them, 3,458 were born to mothers who used metoclopramide products to relieve symptoms related to morning sickness.

The NEJM study found that 4,016 babies manifested severe birth defects. However, there was no marked difference in the number of birth defects attributed to mothers who had taken drugs containing metoclopramide when compared to those who had not. As noted by an article published by the Washington Post dated June 30th, 2009, five percent of the babies born to mothers taking the generic version of Reglan exhibited birth defects. This was the same percentage of babies born with birth defects to mothers who had not taken the drug.

On the surface, this study seems to imply that the use of metoclopramide products is not harmful to unborn babies during the first trimester. The problem is, it neglects to address a few critical details.

What The Study Neglects To Emphasize

First, it’s worth noting the FDA does not approve the use of Reglan during pregnancy. That said, doctors can still prescribe the drug off-label for morning sickness. Because symptoms related to morning sickness can often extend past four months, many pregnant women use metoclopramide products longer than they should. Indeed, the FDA’s black box warning advises people to avoid taking the drug for periods exceeding three months. The reason is due to studies showing that 1 out of 5 people who have developed Reglan-induced tardive dyskinesia did so after using the drug for more than 12 consecutive weeks.

While the NEJM’s study provides valuable insight into the safety of unborn babies exposed to metoclopramide during the first trimester, its findings can be easily misinterpreted. That leads to a false sense of safety. When pregnant women suffer from vomiting and nausea into their second trimester, the temptation exists to continue using the drug. Unfortunately, long-term Reglan use dramatically increases the likelihood of developing severe side effects, including tardive dyskinesia.

If you or a family member are already suffering from the devastating side effects of long-term metoclopramide use, contact a Reglan lawyer to explore your options including being part of Reglan lawsuits.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that allows hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and bile in the stomach to flow back into the esophagus. This backflow causes a burning sensation in the chest (known as “heartburn”). The disease is triggered as the result of two main factors. Both are due to flawed signals sent from the brain. Some patients who used the Reglan drug for extended periods of time have developed Reglan tardive dyskinesia, although many people have not been formally diagnosed or they have been misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s or other movement disorders.

The first factor is a weakened esophageal sphincter, a valve that controls the flow of material between the stomach and the esophagus. When this valve fails to close properly, the opening allows the stomach’s contents to wash back into the esophagus. The second factor is a lack of timely contractions within the stomach. These contractions are necessary to move the stomach’s contents into the intestines.

Reglan (the brand name of the generic drug metoclopramide) is prescribed to address both problems. Unfortunately, long-term use of metoclopramide products can lead to tardive dyskinesia and other severe side effects. We’ll explore this issue from the context of whether using Reglan to treat GERD is worth the risk.

How Reglan Drugs Resolve GERD

Your brain produces a chemical called dopamine. This chemical is responsible for transmitting signals throughout your body in order to control certain functions. For example, the surface of your stomach contains dopamine receptors; if they receive a faulty signal from your brain, your stomach will relax, which prevents contractions. As noted, the lack of contractions prevents the stomach’s contents from moving into the intestines.

Reglan functions as a dopamine inhibitor. It blocks the faulty signals that are sent from the brain and thereby, prevents the stomach muscles from relaxing. By doing so, the drug helps to trigger contractions in the upper GI tract while keeping the esophageal sphincter closed.

Short-Term Relief Versus Long-Term Risk

To be sure, metoclopramide drugs have proven effective for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease. There is little doubt that, as a dopamine inhibitor, it prevents the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. However, many people who are currently taking Reglan don’t fully understand the dangers of long-term or high-dosage use of the drug.

Studies have shown that patients who use metoclopramide products for periods exceeding three months are far more likely to develop tardive dyskinesia. This is an incurable disorder in which a victim is forced to cope with repetitive movements in their facial area and extremities.

It is clear that Reglan provides short-term relief from the discomfort and nausea characteristic of GERD. However, it is also clear there is significant risk inherent in the chronic use of metoclopramide. This is the reason the FDA recently issued a black box warning on the drug.

The FDA’s Reglan Black Box Warning

In February 2009, the FDA released a boxed warning on all metoclopramide products. The warning specifically highlights the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia as the result of long-term use of the drug. Sadly, many people do not realize the risk involved. There are over 2 million people in the U.S. taking these drugs, including Reglan tablets, Reglan injections, and oral solutions. Many of them are using metoclopramide products as a long-term treatment path.

The risk is substantial. If you are currently taking metoclopramide to treat GERD or any other condition, discuss alternatives with your doctor. If you are suffering from any neurological side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, it may be time to contact one of our Reglan attorneys.

There are substantial profits at stake in the pharmaceutical industry. Drug manufacturers that can produce medicines that relieve symptoms from a growing number of ailments stand to reap billions of dollars in revenues. With that as the backdrop, it is little wonder why manufacturers of the drug metoclopramide (the generic form of Reglan) have not continued to study the dangerous side effects of their product. Today, some people who have taken Reglan suffer an assortment of debilitating side effects. Among the most serious injuries is tardive dyskinesia. For the latest news regarding Reglan lawsuit settlements and claim filing information please contact a Reglan lawyer at Fields Law Firm today.

Marked by involuntary movements that manifest in the face, hands, and other areas of the body, tardive dyskinesia has been linked to long-term use of the prescription drug Reglan. Sadly, though the medication has been available for decades, we are only now discovering how prolific its side effects are. This article will explain how Reglan and tardive dyskinesia are connected; indeed, the former cannot be discussed without the latter.

The Tumultuous History Of Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide was first developed in the 1960s and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982. As early as 1983, studies began to surface which suggested the drug carried a high likelihood of adverse neurological side effects. In 1989, Cisapride was introduced as an alternative. It was considered more effective and safer. However, Cisapride was pulled from the U.S. market in 2000 due to a startling discovery that it could cause potentially fatal arrhythmias.

Metoclopramide, including the brand name Reglan, made a comeback. But, it wasn’t long before its connection to tardive dyskinesia became clear.

Tardive Dyskinesia Becomes A Growing Problem

By 2003, new research exposed a direct link between chronic metoclopramide use and the development of tardive dyskinesia. Both the FDA and Veteran’s Health Administration found that prolonged use of the drug not only led to tardive dyskinesia, but did so in alarmingly high numbers. Those who were most susceptible were older women as well as patients who suffered from diabetes, a genetic predisposition, or substance abuse.

The number of cases in which people were prescribed Reglan and afterward, developed tardive dyskinesia, climbed. Meanwhile, evidence of negligence on the part of metoclopramide manufacturers continued to grow. There were signs that makers of the drug had been well aware of the dangers for years. In 2009, the FDA finally became involved.

The FDA Gets Involved

Six years after publicly releasing their findings about the link between prolonged use of metoclopramide and tardive dyskinesia, the FDA issued a black box warning on the drug. The warning specifically highlights that long-term use or high doses of the drug can lead to tardive dyskinesia. While it is a step in the right direction, it comes too late for many victims of Reglan’s side effects.

Today, it is estimated that over 2 million people in the U.S. are using Reglan and other drugs containing metoclopramide. Many of these people will invariably take the drugs for periods longer than three months to treat whatever symptoms they’re trying to relieve. But, the information about the inherent dangers is spreading. If you or someone you know is currently suffering from tardive dyskinesia as the result of using Reglan, contact a Reglan lawyer to explore your legal options including filing a Reglan lawsuit.

Drugs containing metoclopramide (the generic version of Reglan) have been prescribed for years as treatment for several conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetic gastroparesis. The drugs trigger two physiological responses. First, they cause muscular contractions within the upper gastrointestinal tract. This helps the stomach contents empty into the intestines more quickly. Second, they help the esophageal sphincter remain closed, thereby preventing the patient’s stomach contents from moving back into the esophagus. For the latest Reglan class action news please contact us for a free case review including filing a Reglan law suit if you or a loved one has suffered from the involuntary movement disorder tardive dyskinesia.

On February 26th, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on all metoclopramide-containing drugs. Below, I’ll explain the specifics of this warning and the new responsibilities of Reglan manufacturers. I’ll also describe the involuntary movement disorder tardive dyskinesia and how the FDA hopes to protect patients in the future.

Black Box Warning Covers All Metoclopramide Products

The FDA has mandated that their boxed warning be placed on the labels of all formulations of metoclopramide. That includes all forms of Reglan (i.e. oral solutions, injections, and tablets). The reason the FDA issued their mandate is due to the drug being associated with tardive dyskinesia, a lifelong, incurable disorder. Because over two million people currently take metoclopramide products, there is significant public exposure to tardive dyskinesia and other incapacitating side effects.

Under the black box warning, Reglan manufacturers are now required to highlight text that warns patients about the risk of tardive dyskinesia with chronic use of the drug. In addition, the FDA has mandated that makers of metoclopramide products initiate a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). The purpose of the REMS is to further ensure patients are informed about the risks.

What Is Tardive Dyskinesia?

The boxed warning was finally drafted and approved by the FDA due to the link between drugs containing metoclopramide and the development of tardive dyskinesia. People who suffer from this disorder lose control of the muscles within their extremities, lips, eyes, and tongue. Involuntary lip smacking or pursing, repetitive tongue protrusions, and quick blinking are common. So too, are persistent muscle spasms or muscular rigidity.

Unfortunately, these side effects are incurable. Once tardive dyskinesia is diagnosed, treatment is prescribed to reduce the severity of the symptoms rather than eliminate the disorder.

Protecting Patients And Mitigating Risk

The risk evaluation and mitigation strategy mandated as part of the FDA’s black box warning seeks to protect patients by informing them of the risks of chronic Reglan use. Manufacturers are required to provide a medication guide that explains the link between metoclopramide products and tardive dyskinesia when use of the drug exceeds twelve weeks. By requiring this guide, the government hopes to reduce the public’s exposure to the risks associated with taking these products.

Is It Time To Seek Legal Representation?

Reglan has been prescribed for decades to treat GERD, nausea and other conditions. While the FDA’s boxed warning is a welcome move that promises to better inform patients of the risk, it does little to help those who are already suffering from the side effects. If you or someone you know has become a victim of tardive dyskinesia as the result of using Reglan products, now is the time to contact a lawyer to explore your legal rights including filing a Reglan law suit.

Why The Motion Was Filed

A growing number of lawsuits are being filed throughout the country against makers of Reglan (brand name for metoclopramide). The drug has been prescribed to treat a number of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), post-chemotherapy nausea, and diabetic gastroparesis. Sadly, there has been an alarmingly high incidence rate of debilitating side effects. The most notable among them is tardive dyskinesia. These side effects are especially prevalent in patients who have taken high doses of the drug or used it for periods extending beyond three months.

The plaintiffs in these lawsuits requested that their cases be consolidated into a single forum. In doing so, they hoped to avoid the duplication of discovery as well as prevent inconsistent rulings across multiple districts. Not only would the petition save time for all parties involved, but it would also support judicious and organized prosecution of metoclopramide manufacturers. As noted, the motion was denied.

Arguments Posed By Metoclopramide Manufacturers

The pharmaceutical companies that are named in each Reglan lawsuit argued that litigation surrounding the drug has proceeded well over the past decade without the need for consolidation. They further contend that the majority of past cases against makers of metoclopramide products have been resolved, including four of the 15 lawsuits mentioned in the motion. The defendants argued that transferring the cases to a single forum would disrupt that process and prevent a quick resolution. On June 3, 2009, the U.S. Judicial Panel agreed.

What It Means For Patients And Families

While the motion’s dismissal might initially seem like a setback for patients suffering from tardive dyskinesia and other related side effects, in fact, it is not. It merely requires that victims pursue Reglan lawsuits individually rather than going through Multidistrict Litigation. The U.S. Judicial Panel’s decision does not address the validity of the allegations made against manufacturers of drugs containing metoclopramide. In fact, with the “black box” warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2009, there will likely be a new surge in cases.

The Reglan lawsuits that have been filed claim the pharmaceutical companies that make these products were negligent in several ways. It is time to hold them accountable. If you are suffering from tardive dyskinesia or other side effects brought about by chronic use of metoclopramide, contact an experienced Reglan lawyer today.