Reglan Side Effects

Gastrointestinal problems affect millions of people in the United States, and while many will dismiss these health issues as 'gas' or 'just a problem with digestion,' the fact is that they can be very serious problems that substantially harm the quality of life of the person who suffers from them. As a result, several drug companies have come up with medications designed to alleviate the symptoms of common gastrointestinal issues.

One of the leading medications that's been on the market in recent years meant to help with these problems is known as Reglan. Unfortunately, Reglan has come under fire for its link to serious side effects. Below you'll find information regarding how Reglan works, the problems it encountered, the government's reaction to these negative reports and how you should proceed if you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of using Reglan.

How Reglan Works

Reglan is primarily used to help those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux that leads to heartburn. It's only available via prescription, and it's primarily administered to those who have been using other medications without success. Reglan is also used often to help diabetics who suffer from diabetic gastroparesis, whereby the patient's digestive process is too slow, and food taken in does not move from the stomach into the intestines with enough speed.

Reglan works by providing a 'boost' to the speed with which the muscles in the upper digestive tract react, and this process allows for a faster emptying of food into the intestines from the stomach. When this occurs, the patient will not feel the pain and discomfort associated with heartburn or other problems associated with a gastrointestinal tract that is not performing properly.

The active ingredient in Reglan, metoclopramide, was originally approved by the FDA in 1985, but the brand name drug Reglan was not approved for marketing and distribution in the United States until 1999. Since then, Reglan has sold quite well, and its manufacturer is Baxter Pharmaceuticals.

Reglan Side Effects

Unfortunately, after a few years on the market, Reglan began to be linked to the development of some serious side effects. Initially, the reports of side effects consisted of problems that were serious, but not necessarily dangerous enough on a grand scale to prompt immediate action by the FDA. These initial side effects included:
  • Depression
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
  • High blood pressure
  • Worsening of Parkinson's Disease

Tardive Dyskinesia and Reglan

However, the side effect that did prompt action by the government is an otherwise rare condition known as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). TD is a disease that's still largely unknown to the medical science community, and that is not good news for those who suffer from it. At this point, no definitive cause of origination has been established by researchers, and there is no known cure for TD at this time.

TD features rapid, uncontrollable movements of the following areas of the body:
  • Tongue
  • Mouth and face
  • Limbs
  • Trunk
These movements are usually continuous in nature and are also progressive. This means that these movements become more rapid with time and advance to the point where basic daily functions such as eating and bathing are all but impossible. Although the analysis is still in its early stages, most agree that if a patient takes Reglan for more than a few weeks that the risk of developing TD increases. FDA Reports on Reglan

Given the early nature of the reports that have been generated in regards to Reglan, there has only been one tangible step taken in regards to Reglan that tangibly affects its status on the market. Recently, the FDA ordered the makers of Reglan to conduct a 'REMS' study. 'REMS' is an acronym that stands for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy.

Basically, a REMS study is meant to help define whether the benefits of a drug remaining on the market outweigh the risks. As of now, the REMS study is not complete, but the FDA has issued a statement regarding the initiation of this step and has warned the public about the dangers associated with Reglan in this regard.

Reglan Lawsuit, Lawyers and Attorneys - Get Help

If you or someone you love has been harmed because of the use of Reglan, you need to take action. Contact the defective drugs lawyers at Phillips Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation. You need answers regarding your legal rights and options, and this consultation will provide many of them for you. Contact the firm today.
 



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