Reglan And Lawsuit News

by Steve Fields on November 28th, 2009

In May 2009, several Reglan lawyers filed a motion on behalf of their clients with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. The motion requested the consolidation of 15 pending Reglan lawsuits. That motion was denied in June. While the panel’s decision escaped the notice of the popular media, it has significant meaning to those who are suffering Reglan side effects of drugs containing metoclopramide.

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.