GERD Drug Side Effects Have Resulted In Legal Action
Metoclopramide is used as a treatment for a number of ailments including nausea, vomiting and migraine headaches. However, since it is a gastroprokinetic agent, it's primary use is in the stimulation of the muscles of the stomach, small intestines and other organs involved in the digestive process. This antiemetic is often prescribed by doctors for treatment of gastroparesis, a medical condition that results in the stomach muscles being partly paralyzed.
Reglan is a popular brand name form of metoclopramide that, although clinically proven to be effective in treating gastroparesis, has also been linked to some very serious, irreversible side effects. Some reglan side effects include ocular deviations, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, Parkinsonian symptoms, akathisia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia.
Those at greatest risk are children, senior citizens, especially elderly women, and people who have used the drug for an extended period of time. Treatment using reglan is usually from 4 to 12 weeks. It is recommended that treatment using reglan not exceed 12 weeks. There are now black label warnings indicating that using the medication beyond this time period could lead to complications.
Despite the warnings, recently published reports indicate that many patients take the drug well beyond 3 months. The development of side effects, especially tardive dyskinesia, has been directly linked to the length of time a person continues on this medication as well as taking more than the prescribed dosage on a regular basis.
Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the facial extremities, such as grimacing, lip smacking, puckering or pursing, rapid eye blinking and tongue protrusion. It may even impair movement in the toes and fingers. Most of these neurological conditions are irreversible and there is no treatment available according to doctors.
Many people who are suffering from reglan side effects have chosen to file a claim against the manufacturers of the drug. In fact, there are so many lawsuits for damages that a class action lawsuit has been filed with the Federal Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation in order to consolidate the numerous cases.
The FDA has issued an advisory regarding possible side effects when taking reglan in the form of syrup, injections or tablets and has stated that a nationwide recall may prove necessary in the future. Due to the large amount of plaintiffs nationwide, legal specialists, known as Reglan Lawyers have been assigned to these cases.
It is important to remember that tardive dyskinesia is difficult to detect in the early stages and that reglan may mask some of the symptoms until use has been suspended. This is not only a physical predicament, but an emotional one as well. Living with this condition can lead to embarrassing or helpless feelings. In stressful surroundings, these involuntary, rapid movements may be exacerbated.
Anyone who has taken reglan long-term or is experiencing any side effects should contact a physician for more information as well as one of these specialized attorneys to find out your legal rights and options.