The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced this week that a black box warning has been placed on the prescription medication Reglan and any related drugs. Used to treat severe heartburn and acid reflux, Reglan is also known as metoclopramide, and it is considered a prescription backup plan in the case that over-the-counter heartburn medications fail to treat the problem.
The FDA issued the strongest warning possible due to the drug’s recent relationship with people developing tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes involuntary repetitive movements that appear to be nervous ticks or twitches. Reglan can also cause common side effects like vomiting, loss of appetite, and nausea. Reglan works by speeding up the digestive process, as the stomach passes broken down food into the intestines.
Studies have shown that the development of tardive dyskinesia becomes more possible as the patient takes Reglan or related products for a long period of time. According to a FDA study, more than 20 percent of the people who have developed the disorder while taking Reglan or a related drug had been taking the drugs for at least three months.
Tardive dyskinesia is potentially fatal, as it can develop into a violent neurological disorder. Basic symptoms of TD are grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing of the lips, and rapid eye blinking. More intense symptoms of the disorder include lockjaw, involuntary movement of limbs, impairment of the fingers, and violent convulsions.
If you or a loved one has experienced health complications, including symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, from Reglan or a related prescription medication, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with dangerous prescription medications. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.