Litigation

Florida - Reglan Black Box Warning

This from Richard Shapiro, a lawyer in Bradenton, ,FL who is investigating the claims of people who may have been harmed by Reglan:

Reglan (r)

Our office is investigating injuries associated with Reglan, at 800-258-HELP.

If you were potentially seriously injured by Reglan®, or have a loved one who was injured or even died from taking Reglan®, please contact us immediately for a FREE potential case evaluation.

• Tardive Dyskinesia
• Death
• Coma
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Death, Coma, and Kidney disease have allegedly been attributed to Reglan®. 

 What is Reglan? Reglan is used for the short-term treatment of heartburn in patients who have already tried other medications but had no relief of symptoms. The way that Reglan works is that it increases the muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract, which in turn speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. People that suffer from diabetes sometimes suffer from a slow gastric emptying, which can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness after meals, so they take Reglan as well.

From Web MD:

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bleeding/blockage/hole in the intestines/stomach, pheochromocytoma, seizures, porphyria.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, heart rhythm problems, Parkinson's disease, severe liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis), chronic heart failure, a certain blood enzyme problem (NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency), diabetes.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, mask-like facial expression, shuffling walk, drooling, uncontrolled shaking of the hands, twitching in the face, muscle spasm/weakness, trouble swallowing, and uncontrollable movements of the mouth/face/hands.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6177-Reglan+Oral.aspx?drugid=6177&drugname=Reglan+Oral

Full post as published by Trial Lawyer Resource Center on July 20, 2009 (boomark / email).