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Reglan, Metoclopramide and Tardive Dyskinesia
 For the latest updates, visit our Reglan, Metoclopramide and Tardive Dyskinesia Blog by
clicking here or by contacting us free of charge at our toll-free number (888) 841-9623.
What is Metoclopramide?
Metoclopramide (also referred to by the brand names
Reglan, Reglan ODT, Metozol ODT or Octamide) is a “prokinetic” drug that increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract (i.e. the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, and small intestine). This speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines.
Metoclopramide is primarily used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people who have used other medications without relief of symptoms. GERD is a disorder that allows hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and bile in the stomach to flow back into the esophagus. This backflow causes a burning sensation in the chest (known as “heartburn”).
Reglan also has other uses, including treatment of 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.
According to the FDA, there are over 2 million people in the U.S. taking these drugs, including Reglan tablets, Reglan injections, and oral solutions. Many of them are using these drugs as a long-term treatment.
Health Alert for Metoclopramide
In February 2009, the FDA released a boxed warning on all metoclopramide products. A "black box" warning is the FDA's strongest warning. The warning specifically highlights the risk of developing a condition called
tardive dyskinesia, as a result of using the drug.
Tardive Dyskinesia is a very serious disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive tic-like movements primarily in the facial muscles or (less commonly) the limbs, fingers and toes. The hips and torso may also be affected. Tardive means "delayed" and dyskinesia means "abnormal movement." Symptoms may include involuntary facial grimacing, jaw swinging, repetitive chewing and tongue thrusting. Tardive dyskinesia can appear similar to other types of disorders, most notably Tourette's syndrome.
To view a video of symptoms of tardive
dyskinesia, click
here.
Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia can develop and persist long after use of the medication causing the disorder has been discontinued. There is no known cure.
Unfortunately, many individuals and their doctors didn’t realize this substantial risk when they took or were prescribed metoclopramide. Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of these drugs, alleging that although the drug companies knew or should of known of this serious risk, they failed to adequately warn about the potential risk associated with long-term use of the drugs.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia, you should immediately seek legal representation from an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer. Our drug litigation firm,
ZOLL, KRANZ & BORGESS, LLC, has been recognized on a national level for its work in pharmaceutical litigation on behalf of victims. You can call us
toll free at (888) 841-9623 or email at pamela@toledolaw.com
for a confidential review of your claim at no cost. You can also view our
“Reglan, Metoclopramide and Tardive Dyskinesia” Blog by clicking
here.
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