Reglan Side Effects Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on January 28th, 2010

More patients are looking to the option of a Reglan lawsuit after suffering side effects. Reglan and its generic counterpart metoclopramide are prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), post-chemo nausea, diabetic gastroparesis, and other ailments. By inhibiting a chemical called dopamine, the drug can prevent the relaxation of a patient’s stomach muscles. In doing so, it encourages muscular contractions that move food from the stomach into the intestines more quickly. That prevents the stomach’s contents from flowing back into the esophagus through an open esophageal sphincter.

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.