Patients who have been prescribed Reglan (metoclopramide) on a long-term basis are discovering the ill side effects linked to long-term use of this drug. Reglan, designed to treat heartburn by improving gastrointestinal emptying, is only meant for short-term use. Sadly, however, a number of patients have found out the hard way after using the drug for long periods of time.
One patient, in particular, claims Reglan caused her to suffer severe neurological injuries including tardive dyskinesia. Patient Shirley Brinkley filed a lawsuit against Wyeth, A.H. Robins Company, Inc. and Schwarz Pharma in federal court Jan. 7, 2008. The lawsuit claims Shirley took Reglan from June of 1992 to April of 2007.
Reglan Injuries
According to the lawsuit, the defendants failed to properly warn doctors of the potential dangers caused by long-term use of Reglan. The lawsuit also claims that the defendants acted negligently by not informing consumers or healthcare providers that it is not approved for long-term use.
Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia
As a result of the defendants’ negligence, the suit claims that the plaintiff suffered serious debilitating injuries. Among the injuries the suit seeks compensation for is tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder marked by the following irreversible symptoms:
- Grimacing
- Rapid blinking
- Uncontrolled lip smacking
- Uncontrolled mouth and lip movements
- Uncontrolled movements of the arms and/or legs
Due to the number of reported injuries caused by Reglan use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action, requiring the drug manufactures to add a black box warning to the labeling in February 2009. The purpose of the black box warning is to alert patients and healthcare providers of the link between Reglan and tardive dyskinesia.
(Source: The Madison St. Clair Record)
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you or a loved one has developed tardive dyskinesia or another injury as a result of taking Reglan, please contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates for help. We have represented individuals and families in their defective drug cases and can help you.
