Onset Of Symptoms May Be Long After Last Dose Of Reglan
Following the 2009 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning about Reglan, lawsuits regarding the drug and its ties to tardive dyskinesia (TD) have been filed. The agency determined that in those using Reglan, tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, and dystonia were more likely to occur. Millions have taken the drug since its approval in 1982. In their statement, the government agency said that the diseases were “directly related” to this medication. Now “black box” warning information is included on the label. TD is characterized by a variety of problems that primarily involve involuntary movement in the face and limbs. It is called tardive due to the fact that the disease’s onset can occur after a significant delay, and even long after the patient has ceased using the medication. For this reason, Reglan lawsuits continue to appear as new cases are diagnosed. While the FDA’s warning has alerted the public to the dangers of using metoclopramide - the primary chemical found in the medicine - many people are unaware of the risks involved since versions of the prescription are still available. The agency has indicated that occurrence of the disease is “directly related to the length of time a patient is taking metoclopramide and the number of doses taken." According to Janet Woodcock, the director of their Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, "The chronic use of metoclopramide therapy should be avoided in all but rare cases where the benefit is believed to outweigh the risk.” Those who appear to be at higher risk for developing the disease include older women, as well as those with pre-existing conditions such as: • Diabetes
• Psychosis
• Substance abuse
• Organic brain atrophy/dysfunction
• Genetic predisposition The primary Reglan side effects are entirely life-changing for those unfortunate enough to suffer them. TD typically affects the face more than any other part of the body, and results in tongue thrusting, cheek puffing, jaw movement, speech problems, and rapid blinking. As the illness progresses, the involuntary motion can become more severe, affecting the trunk and extremities. Often, advanced patients experience head nodding, rocking of the upper torso, shoulder shrugging, diaphragm contractions, and hip rocking. Fingers will move unbidden, and wrists rotate; many of those with the disease are unaware of the erratic movement. These symptoms are extremely noticeable and many sufferers endure life-altering difficulties, especially with respect to social situations where the symptoms make day-to-day function near impossible. Many have sought the help of a lawyer or law firm to learn more about the possibilities of current, pending, or past Reglan lawsuits. Most people involved in these suits were prescribed the medication due to gastrointestinal problems such as severe heartburn, gastroparesis, and diabetic gastric stasis. However, its symptoms are often confused with those of two similar diseases - akathisia and dystonia. Before contacting a lawyer about possible litigation, it is important that you or your loved one suffering from this disorder contact a doctor for a positive diagnosis.
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