Reglan side effects have been found to cause irreversible, debilitating disorders, sparking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate that Schwarz Pharma (the manufacturer of Reglan) include a “Black Box” warning on Reglan in 2009. Black box warnings are the most serious FDA warning that immediately precede a full-fledged recall due to the significant risk of severe, incurable side effects.
First FDA approved in 1980, Reglan (generically metoclopramide) is a prescription medication that speeds the rate at which the muscles in the upper digestive tract contract in order to facilitate digestion. In addition to being prescribed to treat heartburn, Reglan is also indicated for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis (the inability of the stomach to empty its contents), heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Reglan has only been FDA approved for use from 4 to 12 weeks, and taken before meals and before going to bed. Currently, about 2 million Americans take Reglan.
FDA research found that approximately 20 percent of Reglan users were taking the drug for more than three months. Taking Reglan for more than three months increases the likelihood that an individual will develop serious side effects. Reglan is also sold under the following brand names: Degan (by Lek), Primreran (by Sanofi Aventis), and Cerucal (by AWD Pharma).
Range of Reglan Side Effects
Serious Reglan side effects may include:
- agranulocytosis (a dangerously low level white blood cell count that, in turn, significantly weakens the immune system)
- arrhythmia
- hyperaldosteronism (dangerously low levels of potassium in the blood)
- depression
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a potentially fatal disease characterized by delirium, hallucinations, muscle rigidity and/or fever)
- severe hypertension
- tardive dyskinesia (a condition marked by uncontrollable movements and/or tics, such as facial grimaces, rapid eye blinking, tongue protrusion, etc.)
Neurological symptoms, such as Reglan tardive dyskinesia, are reported to affect 1 out of every 500 patients. Those most likely to experience Reglan side effects include:
- people with adrenal tumors
- female and/or are older (or younger than 20)
- people with a history of seizures
- people with diabetes
- people with intestinal bleeding and/or holes
- people taking higher doses of Reglan and/or take Reglan for more than three months.
If you or a loved one used Reglan and suffered from any side effect including NMS, agramulocytosis, hyperaldosteronism, depression, or tardive dyskinesia you should contact our Reglan lawyers immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
