Reglan (Metoclopramide)
Reglan (generic name: metoclopramide) is a drug used to increase muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. It is used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without relief of symptoms.
Reglan is also used to treat slow gastric emptying in people with diabetes (also called diabetic gastroparesis), which can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness after meals.
Reglan is supposed to be used on a short-term basis (12 weeks or less) and only for adults. However, it has been frequently prescribed to both children and adults and for periods longer than 12 weeks.
Reglan Side Effects
Taking Reglan can cause a disabling neurological syndrome known as Tardive Dyskinesia, which involves involuntary and repetitive movements that can be permanent. Symptoms include but are not limited to:
• Involuntary movements – repetitive and purposeless
• Jaw movements
• Chewing-like movements
• Facial grimacing
• Tongue movements or protrusion
• Lip movements, smacking, puckering or pursing
• Rapid eye blinking
• Rapid movements – of the arms, legs, and trunk.
• Involuntary finger movements
• Involuntary or abnormal facial movements
• Grimacing
• Sticking out tongue
• Sucking or smacking of the lips
• Involuntary rapid arm or leg movements
No known cure exists for Tardive Dyskinesia.
FDA Warning
In February of 2009, the FDA required Reglan to be sold with a “black box” warning about the risk of its long-term or high-dose use. They also required that the drug label be revised. However, Reglan (metoclopramide) has been sold since 1979 with inadequate safety warnings and has been prescribed for long term periods of use.
Recently lawsuits have been filed against Reglan manufacturers by patients who developed Tardive Dyskinesia. These suits claim that the drug companies failed to adequately warn physicians and their patients of the association between Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia as well as the dangers of prolonged use.
Reglan Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has been affected by Reglan, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You need an attorney who has the experience and expertise to obtain the highest verdict possible. We are ready to assist you with your legal needs. Please feel free to contact us online or call 1-800-603-6833. All consultations are free of charge.
