Long-term Use of Drug Reglan Blamed for Neurological Symptoms
By Jim Greene
Published on February 25, 2010
Patients who use the prescription gastrointestinal drug Reglan® (metoclopramide) for longer than 12 weeks are at risk of developing the neurological movement disorder tardive dyskinesia. The involuntary movements of the face, hands, arms, legs, and torso, as well as other symptoms, can linger even after patients stop taking Reglan®.
According to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning, the risk of tardive dyskinesia increases with high doses of Reglan®, or when it is taken for longer than the four to 12 weeks for which it was originally approved.
Plaintiffs Claim Makers' Warnings Inadequate
Plaintiffs in numerous lawsuits against Reglan® maker Schwarz Pharma, Inc., of Mequon, Wisc., claim the company was negligent in not doing enough to make medical professionals and their patients aware of the danger of taking the drug for more than 12 weeks.
Several companies that sell generic metoclopramide also face litigation. They include Pliva, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, Inc., Alpharma, Inc., UDL Laboratories, Inc.; Actavis Elizabeth, LLC, Purepac Pharmaceutical Company.
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has also been named a defendant in legal action, based on its Reglan® sales before it sold the brand to Schwarz. Wyeth has since been acquired by Pfizer, Inc.
Reglan Used to Treat Cancer, Diabetes Patients
Reglan® is prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, as well as to promote gastric emptying in cancer patients and diabetics.
In addition to involuntary movements, tardive dyskinesia symptoms can include seizures, stiffness of the face and limbs, trouble staying still; fever, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeat, rapid breathing; depression, thoughts of suicide; hallucinations, and anxiety.
If you or someone you know has suffered from tardive dyskinesia after taking Reglan® or a generic version of metoclopramide, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. Tardive dyskinesia can seriously disrupt your life, and you may be eligible for financial compensation for loss of income, for expenses, and for pain and suffering.
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