Reglan Injury Attorneys
If you or your loved one were prescribed the drug Reglan, also known by the generic name of metoclopramide, you should know that prolonged use has been known to cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious and often irreversible disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and fingers and you may be entitled to compensation.
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs such as Reglan and drugs containing metoclopramide. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano.
Is there any treatment?
There is no standard treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Treatment is highly individualized. The first step is generally to stop or minimize the use of the neuroleptic drug. However, for patients with a severe underlying condition this may not be a feasible option. Replacing the neuroleptic drug with substitute drugs may help some patients. Other drugs such as benzodiazepines, adrenergic antagonists, and dopamine agonists may also be beneficial.
What is the prognosis?
Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may remain long after discontinuation of neuroleptic drugs; however, with careful management, some symptoms may improve and/or disappear with time. The extent of these serious side effects has caused the Federal Drug Administration to issue an advisory on February 26, 2009 requiring the drug manufacturers to place a "Black Box Warning” on packages of the drugs.
Reglan has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults such as gastoesophageal reflux (GERD)
Recently published analyses suggest that metoclopramide is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders. Another analysis of study data by the FDA showed that about 20 percent of patients in that study who used metoclopramide took it for longer than three months. The FDA has also become aware of continued spontaneous reports of tardive dyskinesia in patients who used metoclopramide, the majority of whom had taken the drug for more than three months.
Statutes of limitation can bar a valid claim if not asserted in time. Therefore, if you or a loved one are suffering from involuntary facial or other bodily movements, you should investigate whether they were prescribed Reglan or a drug containing metroclopramide for gastrointestinal disorders.
Contact a Reglan attorney today
Davis & Crump is now handling claims for individuals who have been injured by Reglan. Davis & Crump is experienced in pharmaceutical product liability cases and settlements. If you or a loved one has been injured by Reglan, contact us at 1-800-277-0300 or send us an email at info@daviscrump.com.