FDA Black Box Warning Issued For Neuropathy Side Effects
One of the keys to understanding the risks involved with taking medication is learning the facts. For one drug once commonly used to treat patients with heartburn and other stomach symptoms, information is easy to find with the right research. If you are looking for Reglan information you may start with a legal website, or a medical website. You may be able to glean important details about possible symptoms, reactions, or interactions regarding the medication. Many people seeking Reglan information have suffered reactions after taking the medication for stomach ailments, either as an oral pill or other method. The drug is commonly prescribed for stomach conditions including Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), gastropariesis, and diabetic gastric stasis. In the past, other drugs containing metoclopramide have also been prescribed to lactating women, since it stimulates prolactin production, an essential hormone for making milk. Due to dangerous possible interactions, it is recommended that people never combine drugs containing metoclopramide with acetaminophen, alcoholic beverages, antispasmodic drugs, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, insulin, MAO inhibitor antidepressants, levodopa, narcotic painkillers, sleeping pills, tetracycline, and tranquilizers. In 2009 the FDA issued a Reglan warning, requiring the popular heartburn medication to include a “black box” label regarding its connection to a variety of movement disorders. Known milder side effects include decreased energy, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, restlessness, tiredness, and insomnia. More severe symptoms include vomiting, irritation, difficulty breathing, and increased depression and/or suicidal thoughts. Two diseases are also associated with the medication: neuroleptic malignant syndrome and Tardive Dyskinesia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome occurs in about .2% of patients who are taking neuroleptic drugs and progresses quickly, beginning with a high fever and eventually exhibiting with muscle rigidity, severe reactions including high fever, irregular blood pressure, cognitive problems, marked agitation and restlessness, delirium, and coma. Without proper medical attention, the disease is fatal. The initial approach to neuroleptic malignant syndrome is to completely eliminate the dose of the drug. Doctors have found some people respond well to administrating muscle relaxants and other medications that promote circulatory and ventilation support, including bromocriptine, apomorphine, and dantrolene sodium. Even with treatment, it is estimated that 5 to 15% of victims do not survive due to the severity of the reactions. Additional Reglan information includes the instance of Tardive Dyskinesia, a movement disorder connected to the use of drugs containing metoclopramide. Patients exhibiting symptoms of the disease tend to have facial and body tics, which include puffing of the cheeks, lip smacking, tongue thrusting, and a general physical restlessness. The only treatment for patients with these symptoms is cessation of the drug. However, there is no actual cure, and many endure the symptoms of the disease for the duration of their lives. The instance of these diseases is greatly increased in relationship to the duration the drug was taken. Older women appear to be in a higher risk group as well. To date, there have been numerous lawsuits brought to court from those seeking compensation for medical costs and damages.
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Reglan Lawsuits Attorneys
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