Reglan – Metoclopromide
Reglan, also known generically as Metoclopromide, is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders (GERD) like gastroesophageal reflux disease and diabetic gastroparesis. Reglan speeds up stomach muscle movement so that the contents are more quickly emptied into the intestines. Reglan has been prescribed not only for acid reflux, but also for women who are pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, breastfeeding mothers, infants and children for nausea associated with migraines.In early 2009, Wyeth, the manufacturer of Reglan (Metoclopromide), was forced by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) to add a black box warning to the heartburn drug after the drug’s use was tied to muscle spasms.
Reglan side effects of Tardive Dyskinesia, restless leg syndrome and similar drug induced movement disorders that are characterized by rarely reversible symptoms that include random movements in the tongue, lips, or jaw as well as facial grimacing, movement of arms, legs, fingers, and toes along with swaying movements of the waist or hip.
Metoclopramide is available in several forms including:
- Reglan Tablets
- Reglan Oral Disintegrating Tablets
- Metoclopramide Oral Solution
- Reglan Injection
An estimated 2 million people in the United States use products containing Metoclopramide. According to the FDA: “Recently published analysis suggest that Metoclopramide is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders. Another analysis of data by the FDA showed that about 20 percent of patients in that study who used Metoclopramide took it for longer than three months. The FDA has also become aware of continued spontaneous reports of Tardive Dyskinesia in patients who used Metoclopramide, the majority of whom had taken the drug for more than three months.”
Reglan (Metoclopramide) FDA Warning
Tardive Dyskinesia – Restless Leg Syndrome
Tardive Dyskinesia is a devastating neurological disorder. It manifests as involuntary movements in the patients facial area, though it can also affect his or her extremities. Symptoms can include such unnatural movements as lip smacking, tongue protrusion, and uncontrollable lip puckering. Grimacing and rapid blinking of the eyes are also common.
One of the reasons Tardive Dyskinesia is so serious is that there seems to be no cure once the condition develops. While there are treatment measures that can reduce or partially suppress the symptoms, patients are usually forced to live with the disorder throughout their lives as it is rarely reversible.
It was for this reason the FDA saw fit to order the black box warning on all drugs that contain Metoclopramide, including the branded Reglan.
If you or a loved one has suffered Tardive Dyskinesia, restless leg syndrome, or muscle spasms linked to the heartburn drug Reglan, also known as Metoclopramide, contact a Reglan side effects attorney at the Stenger Law Firm, LLC by completing the form below or calling Toll Free (888) 665-0077.
