Personal Injury Law

Reglan Adverse Events Events Jump Dramatically

By Joe Saunders

The FDA is reporting that instances of adverse events have more than doubled from 2006-2008. The adverse events associated with Reglan involve a muscle disorder tardive dyskinesia. The increase precedes Reglan's black box warning. Since the reporting system is voluntary, the adverse events may be significantly higher than those reported.

Reglan and its generic equivalent metoclopramide were approved by the FDA for short term treatment for certain types of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or diabetic gastroparesis. However, the drug's marketing campaign pushed for longer term usage, substantially increasing the drug company's profits.

It was until February 2009 that the FDA pushed for a black box warning for Reglan. The disorders associated with Reglan use include tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. All three are neurological disorders that can cause serious side effects involving muscle movement, pain, rapid breathing, and elevated heart rate.

Full post as published by Tampa Bay Personal Injury Law on July 07, 2009 (boomark / email).