Reglan Medicine | Reglan Effects | Metoclopramide Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on August 10th, 2009

Applications Of Reglan Medicine

Since the 1980s, Reglan – the branded version of the generic drug metoclopramide – has been prescribed as a short-term treatment for a variety of disorders and ailments. To be sure, the drug has shown positive results as a treatment path for these conditions. However, it’s worth noting that recent studies have exposed a number of potential long-term side effects.

In this article, I’ll provide a brief overview of the disorders for which Reglan medicine is prescribed. I’ll also explain the risks involved with taking the drug.

Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Commonly known as acid reflux disease, GERD is a condition that allows the acid in your stomach to gain access to your esophagus. When that happens, it creates a burning sensation. Your stomach produces the acid in order to help digest food; under normal circumstances, that acid remains in your stomach. However, if the valve which separates your stomach and esophagus fails to close, the acid will escape up into your esophagus.

Reglan medicine can be taken to encourage the lower esophageal sphincter (i.e. the valve) to close properly. In doing so, the drug can help prevent the erosion of your esophageal lining, thereby relieving symptoms associated with GERD.

Diabetic Gastroparesis

The food which enters your stomach is eventually emptied into your small intestine. This occurs as a result of contractions within your stomach. The vagus nerve manages those contractions and helps ensure the contents move seamlessly through your digestive tract. If the vagus nerve is damaged or impaired in any way, that movement slows or stops.

Diabetic gastroparesis is a condition experienced by those suffering from diabetes. The high glucose levels in their blood can prevent oxygen from reaching the vagus nerve, damaging it in the process. If the nerve is damaged, the food in your stomach may not be emptied into your small intestine quickly enough, leading to nausea, vomiting, bacteria growth, and other issues.

Doctors often prescribe Reglan medication to stimulate contractions in the stomach. Those contractions can help move “suspended” food through your digestive tract.

Increased Breast Milk Production

Nursing mothers often have difficulty producing a sufficient supply of breast milk. Many doctors recommend Reglan as a stimulant for a peptide hormone called prolactin, which controls milk production in the mammary glands. In most cases, the use of Reglan to increase milk production is combined with breast pumping and is tapered off after the first week.

Post-Surgery And Post-Chemotherapy Treatment

Patients who undergo invasive surgical procedures or chemotherapy often suffer nausea and vomiting. This is due to dopamine. Reglan is often prescribed as a dopamine receptor blocker; as a result, the drug suppresses the reaction.

Potential Dangers Of Reglan Effects

With numerous potential benefits of taking Reglan, it’s too easy to dismiss or ignore the risks involved. Even though the drug was approved by the FDA in the early 1980s, the long-term side effects associated with its use are only now becoming clear. For example, a neurological disorder called tardive dyskinesia has been linked to prolonged use of metoclopramide. Furthermore, nursing mothers who have taken the drug to help increase their milk supply have reported depression, insomnia, and fatigue.

In the end, Reglan has shown positive results in treating a number of ailments. However, the potential risks are significant; the side effects can be severe. In fact, the FDA has recently issued a black box warning for all drugs containing metoclopramide. Now is the time to review alternative treatment paths.

We represent all clients suffering side effects from Reglan effects on a contingency basis which means that there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your metcolopramide lawsuit. 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 lawyer will contact you to answer any of your questions.