Reglan Attorneys Representing Clients Nationwide
Reglan is a prescription medication for gastrointestinal problems that can cause a permanent neurological disorder called tardive dyskinesia. The Reglan attorneys of Tracey Law Firm help people injured by this dangerous drug obtain financial compensation for damages. Below, we provide straight answers to frequently asked questions about Reglan and tardive dyskinesia.
What products contain this drug?
What's the problem with Reglan?
What has the FDA said about Reglan?
What is Reglan?
Reglan (metoclopramide, its generic form), is a prescription medication commonly used for the short-term treatment of heartburn and acid reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), a condition in which stomach contents backflow into the esophagus. Reglan works by increasing the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, helping with the passage of food. Reglan is used to treat the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not contract. Reglan is also given to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, surgery, migraines and pregnancy.
What products contain this drug?
Reglan is available in tablets, syrups and injections. Names of metoclopramide-containing products include Reglan Tablets, Reglan Oral Disintegrating Tablets, Metoclopramide Oral Solution and Reglan Injection.
How many people are affected?
More than 2 million Americans use these products.
What's the problem with Reglan?
Long-term use of Reglan or its generic form, metoclopramide, has been linked to tardive dyskinesia, a serious involuntary and repetitive movement disorder that is often irreversible. Exposure to Reglan for longer than 12 weeks greatly increases the risk of developing the condition.
What is tardive dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a central nervous system disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive movements of the arms, legs, mouth, tongue, cheeks, head and other parts of the body. Mouth and facial movements can resemble continual chewing, and may include lip smacking, grimacing, tongue protrusion, puckering and pursing of the lips. Tardive dyskinesia can cause rapid eye movements or blinking, impaired movement of the fingers, shaking of hands or feet, abnormal head movements and other uncontrolled bodily movements. While there is no cure or effective treatment for tardive dyskinesia, the symptoms may be reduced or eliminated if the patient stops taking Reglan.
Who is most at risk?
Elderly women are at greatest risk, but infants, young children and elderly men are also at high risk for developing tardive dyskinesia. The condition is more common in women than in men and in the elderly than in the young. The dosage and the duration of exposure to Reglan affect the risk of tardive dyskinesia. The FDA recommends that Reglan not be used for longer than 12 weeks.
What has the FDA said about Reglan?
In February 2009, the FDA issued a public warning about long-term or high-dose use of Reglan due to concerns about patients developing tardive dyskinesia. The FDA required the makers of Reglan and other metoclopramide drugs to add a black-box warning to the products' labeling about the risks of high-dose or long-term use. A black-box warning is the most serious warning required by the agency. The FDA recommended that treatment with Reglan not exceed 12 weeks. This decision to issue a black-box warning was made because recently published analyses suggest that Reglan or metoclopramide is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders. Another data analysis by the FDA showed that about 20 percent of patients in a study who used Reglan took it for longer than 12 weeks. The FDA has also become aware of continued spontaneous reports of tardive dyskinesia in patients who used Reglan, the majority of whom had taken the drug for more than 12 weeks.
How can a law firm help?
Lawyers experienced in defective drug litigation can pursue financial compensation for damages caused by the negligence of the drug maker. If you developed tardive dyskinesia after taking Reglan or metoclopramide, it is important to discuss your case with a lawyer who has a record of success in pharmaceutical litigation. The attorneys of Tracey Law Firm have obtained millions of dollars in financial compensation for people injured by dangerous drugs.
Contact Our Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia Lawyers
To arrange a free consultation about your case, please contact us by
e-mail or call toll free 877.301.5913. From offices in Houston, we represent clients from Texas, the Gulf Coast and throughout the nation.
