Reglan lawyers are warning people about the possible dangers of the reflux drug Reglan. Anyone who has taken Reglan should speak to a qualified defective drug lawyer to ensure their potential claim is properly protected. Each Reglan drug lawsuit has a statute of limitations that will limit the amount of time a person has to file a claim against Wyeth.
Reglan, a brand-name of metoclorpramide, is a medication commonly prescribed to treat heartburn (acid reflux), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, it has also been reported to have dangerous side effects that can lead to Tardive Dyskinesia.
Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition affecting the central nervous system that causes involuntary muscle movement. The negative Reglan side-effects which can lead to a lawsuit may include lip smacking, head jerking, eye blinking and bulging, tongue thrusting, facial tics or grimacing, puckering or pursing of the lips, and/or involuntary finger movement. At this time there is no known treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia. There have been certain cases in which a patient's symptoms have subsided, but it is often irreversible.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first issued its Black Box Warning with regard to Reglan's possible side effects in February 2009. Anyone who has taken Reglan should be aware that the drug is also known as Maxolon, Octamide, and the drug’s generic name, metoclopramide hydrochloride.
Short-term use of this medication is recommended to minimize the risk of potentially serious Reglan side effects. Reglan treatment typically lasts between 2 and 3 months. It is highly recommended that a person does NOT take Reglan for more than 12 weeks. Unfortunately, this precaution is often overlooked or not appropriately explained to the patient.
How and Why Reglan Is Used
Reglan works by increasing contractions in the stomach and small intestines. By speeding contractions, the drug causes food to pass through the system faster. In most cases, Reglan is taken about 30 minutes before a meal.
Reglan is used to treat several intestinal problems, including:
•acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn caused by reflux;
•diabetic gastroparesis, which stops contractions of the stomach muscles; or
•nausea and vomiting caused by surgery or chemotherapy.
