Evidence continues to mount regarding the link between Reglan (the branded equivalent of metoclopramide) and a number of severe side effects. Many people who have taken the drug are suffering from tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and other disorders. Unfortunately, there remains a significant amount of confusion among victims. Some don't fully comprehend the connection between metoclopramide products and the side effects they trigger. Others understand the connection, but are unaware of their options. I'll answer the five most common questions asked about Reglan and its side effects below.
#1 - Why Is Reglan Used?
Reglan is prescribed as a short-term treatment path for a number of conditions. Patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic gastroparesis, extreme morning sickness, and post-chemotherapy nausea can gain relief from taking the drug.
It is commonly prescribed to relieve severe heartburn which results when a patient's stomach contents move up into the esophagus. Metoclopramide encourages the lower esophageal sphincter to close while causing small contractions within the GI tract. Those contractions help empty the stomach's contents into the intestines.
#2 - Why Did The FDA Issue A Black Box Warning?
In February 2009, the FDA issued their highest alert about drugs containing metoclopramide. For years, data supporting the link between these products and the development of tardive dyskinesia has continued to accumulate. Studies have revealed that taking Reglan over periods exceeding three months greatly increase a patient's susceptibility to this neurological disorder. The FDA black box warning was issued to protect the public. Due to the FDA's mandate, product labeling is now required to explain the risks associated with using the drug metoclopramide.
#3 - What Is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder in which victims display involuntary, repetitive movements in the facial area and extremities. These might include lip smacking, tongue protrusions, and rapid blinking. The condition has been directly linked to taking neuroleptic drugs over long periods or in high doses. In fact, recent studies have shown that metoclopramide use is the leading cause of tardive dyskinesia.
Sadly, the condition is incurable. While the symptoms will often diminish - and occasionally disappear altogether - when a patient stops using Reglan, it does not happen in all cases. To that end, treatment is often prescribed on an individual basis to help manage the twitching, grimacing, and other movements.
#4 - Is Metoclopramide Linked To Other Side Effects?
Using drugs containing metoclopramide can lead to several other debilitating side effects. For example, victims might develop symptoms that are similar to those associated with Parkinson's disease. Such symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors or muscular rigidity. It is also common for cardiovascular, endocrinal, and gastrointestinal symptoms to manifest. In rare cases, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially fatal condition, might develop.
#5 - What Are My Legal Options?
Victims of Reglan-induced tardive dyskinesia and other side effects might have legal recourse. Evidence shows that manufacturers of metoclopramide products were negligent in several ways. They knew - but did not inform the public - that there were significant dangers related to long-term use of the drug. In fact, on packaging inserts, manufacturers misrepresented the chances of developing tardive dyskinesia by a factor of 100.
Many individual cases have already been filed against these companies. Victims who are suffering from severe side effects that were triggered by the drug metoclopramide are stepping forward to hold these companies accountable. You can do the same.
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