Reglan, generic name Metoclopramide, is used for treating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It’s effective for alleviating heartburn and healing esophageal sores when other medications or treatments failed to work. Reglan is likewise used for treating diabetic gastroparesis, which occurs when the stomach takes a longer time than normal to clear its contents. Symptoms typically include heartburn, nausea, appetite loss, excessive feeling of fullness, and vomiting.
But while a lot of people have found relief from their symptoms with Reglan, some are not so lucky. Instead of symptom relief, Reglan could cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition with more severe effects that could impact your life more significantly than the original condition you were trying to treat with Reglan. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our experienced Florida Reglan tardive dyskinesia attorneys are fully aware of the dangers that Reglan could pose. If you or a family member developed tardive dyskinesia due to Reglan use, we are here to help.
Tardive Dyskinesia and Reglan
According to FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) records, as of March 2021, there have been 9,934 adverse reactions or events reported in relation to the use of Reglan, with 8,650 of the events resulting in serious injuries and 280 events resulting in death. Out of all the Reglan adverse events, 5,700 are related to tardive dyskinesia, with 145 events resulting in death.
Studies have linked Reglan with a heightened risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, which is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements. Symptoms can include:
- Lip smacking
- Tongue protrusion
- Grimacing
- Rapid eye blinking
- Pursing and puckering lips
- Finger movements that make the affected people look like they’re playing an invisible piano or guitar
Tardive dyskinesia symptoms might develop over time or suddenly, even if a person has stopped taking Reglan. Depending on the specific symptoms of the affected person, symptoms may resolve over time or persist indefinitely. A person’s risk of developing tardive dyskinesia typically increases with longer use and higher doses of Reglan. And, unfortunately, while tardive dyskinesia can be managed, it can’t be treated completely.
Product Liability and Reglan
Lawsuits and claims concerning Reglan are founded on product liability laws. Depending on the specific facts of the case, plaintiffs might argue that the makers of Reglan:
- Knew or should’ve known that the drug may increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia and failed to sufficiently warn consumers of this specific side effect
- Were aware that physicians commonly prescribe the drug for more than three months and didn’t inform the physicians that this significantly increases a person’s risk of developing tardive dyskinesia
- Were aware that physicians also prescribed the drug for off-label uses, such as treatment from nausea due to migraines and cluster headaches, and didn’t tell the physicians that the FDA did not approve these uses
Consult an Experienced Florida Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has developed tardive dyskinesia or any other personal injuries due to Reglan use, you must talk to an experienced Florida Reglan injury attorney as soon as you can. Your lawyer will be able to evaluate your case to determine if you have a strong case for your losses and how much your case may be worth. Ged Lawyers, LLP is ready to help, so please contact us online to arrange your free case evaluation today.
