People Have Had Their Health Ruined By Some GERD Drugs

If you or a loved one has taken the drug Reglan in the past several years and experienced serious side effects, you may want to consider participating in a lawsuit. It is what is known as a class action lawsuit. Bringing it to a successful conclusion can ensure that you are recompensed for your medical bills that have resulted from the side effects associated with this drug. The suit also covers compensation for the suffering you may have experienced while taking this harmful drug.

Reglan is a drug that is prescribed as a treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, acid reflux disease and heartburn. Typically, side effects are minor and short-lived. However, many patients have experienced serious problems from using Reglan to treat these conditions. Dangerous side effects that have occured far too often include Tardive Dyskinesia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, which is often fatal.

The side effect called Tardive Dyskinesia often ends up being permanent for the victim. It is marked by repetitive and involuntary movements, such as blinking of the eyes, smacking of the lips and grimacing the face, among others. Also, a common symptom of Tardive Dyskinesia is rapidly and involuntarily moving the arms and legs. Studies have shown that the development of this side effect is linked to long-term use of Reglan. The drug is only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used between 4 and 12 weeks.

Although seen less often than Tardive Dyskinesia in Reglan patients, there are several patients who have suffered from Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Unlike Tardive Dyskinesia, which usually only develops following long-term use of Reglan, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome occurs after taking the drug for a short period of time, often less than two weeks. Symptoms of include high fever, muscle rigidity, unstable blood pressure and Parkinsonism. This is one of the most severe Reglan side effects and is characterized by severe muscle rigidity and difficulty moving and remaining balanced. In many cases, it has proven fatal.

Many victims developed the diseases as a result of taking Reglan. Of these victims, several feel that they were not well enough informed of the risks. Few recall ever being informed of the increased risk of Tardive Dyskinesia following long-term use of Reglan. As of February, 2009, Reglan has carried a black box warning warning of the possibility of serious Reglan side effects such as Tardive Dyskinesia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. However, many of those who developed these serious problems were prescribed Reglan before the black box warning was included on all pill bottles.

Patients who have been victims of either Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome or Tardive Dyskinesia deserve compensation for their medical bills and suffering. Unfortunately, this usually cannot be achieved without hiring a Reglan attorney or lawyer. Patients who suffered one of these serious diseases and were prescribed Reglan before 2009 are the best candidates for a this lawsuit.