Long Term Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Side Effects

by Steve Fields on July 22nd, 2009

The Reglan drug, also known by the generic name “metoclopramide”, was first approved by the FDA in 1980. It is currently available in several different forms in both the branded “Reglan” and generic “metoclopramide” products. Reglan is primarily prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetic gastroparesis.Metoclopramide is available in a variety of forms including tablets, syrups and injections. Products that contain metoclopramide include Reglan Tablets, Reglan Oral Disintegrating Tablets, Metoclopramide Oral Solution and Reglan Injection. Over 2 million Americans have been prescribed Reglan.

Recent studies suggest that (metoclopramide) Reglan tardive dyskinesia side effects are directly related to patients who used metoclopramide for longer than three months. In one study that the FDA analyzed, around 20 percent of patients who used metoclopramide took it for longer than three months.

Serious neurologic Reglan drug side effects include:

• ocular deviations
• blepharospasm
• cervical dystonia (torticollis)
• Parkinsonian symptoms
• Akathisia
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a drug-induced movement disorder caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs. Tardive means “delayed” and dyskinesia means “abnormal movement.” This serious neurological syndrome is often irreversible and may become permanent. Since the 1950’s a family of drugs referred to as dopamine receptor blocking drugs (DRB) have been prescribed for certain mental health conditions and are now also commonly prescribed for the treatment of GERD and nausea.

Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms

• Facial grimacing
• Repetitive chewing
• Jaw swinging
• Tongue thrusting

Treatment of tardive dyskinesia includes stopping or reducing the use of Reglan (metoclopramide). However, the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may continue long after discontinuation of Reglan (metoclopramide) and there is no known treatment. In some patients, symptoms may lessen or disappear after Reglan (metoclopramide) treatment has stopped. The majority of patients who have developed tardive dyskinesia have been treated with Reglan (metoclopramide) for more than three months.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in February 2009 that manufacturers of metoclopramide are required to add a black box warning to their packaging alerting consumers about the risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with its long-term and/or high-dose use. In addition to the black box warning, the FDA is requiring manufacturers to implement a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy so that patients are provided with a medication guide that explains the risk of tardive dyskinesia with chronic metoclopramide treatment.

We represent all clients suffering side effects from Reglan side effects on a contingency basis which means that there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation consultation please call toll free at 1-888-343-5375 or fill out our short online contact form and a Reglan attorney will contact you to answer any of your questions.