Metoclopramide Reglan Lawsuit
Metoclopramide, also known by the brand name of Reglan, is a drug often given to patients to treat gastrointestinal disorders and nausea, including morning sickness in expectant mothers. It may also be used for lactation stimulation in nursing mothers. It is made by Schwartz Pharmca, Inc. and available in tablets, oral solution, and injection form.
However, those taking Reglan may also suffer from tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder that is often irreversible. It can cause protrusion of the tongue, uncontrolled grimacing and lip smacking, rapid eye blinking, and repetitive movements of the extremities.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in early 2009 that is was requiring all manufacturers of Reglan to add a black box warning to the label stating the possible link to tardive dyskinesia.
One study by the FDA showed that 20 percent of the patients that used Reglan took it for longer than three months, making them more susceptible to contracting tardive dyskinesia. Reglan has only been approved by the FDA for short term use (4 to 12 weeks).
Because Reglan can be passed through breast milk, infants of mothers taking Reglan may also be at risk. If you or anyone you know has been taking Reglan and has suffered side effects such as uncontrollable body movements, you should immediately quit taking the drug and consult a medical professional.