Reglan Side Effects Lead to Lawsuits
Metoclopramide, commonly known as Reglan, has been used for decades to treat a host of digestive ailments, such as GERD, acid reflux and heartburn. As early as 2004, studies linked Reglan to the debilitating muscular disorder tardive dyskinesia.
In response to severe Reglan side effects, the FDA issued a black box warning, which, according to Hartley Hampton, is the most serious warning the agency can require of a drug manufacturer.
Tardive dyskinesia manifests itself as uncontrollable facial and mouth movements. It can also impact legs and fingers, which has led many who suffer from Reglan side effects to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome.
Just how much exposure to Reglan is harmful is unknown, but the FDA has found that those suffering from side effects took the drug for more than three months. In response to this, the agency began limiting the drug's use to 12 weeks.
A host of lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs who took Reglan and now suffer from the potentially permanent tardive dyskinesia. These lawsuits allege that Reglan was defective in that it failed to contain the proper warnings prior to 2009. Such lawsuits often result in plaintiffs being compensated for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and a variety of other economic losses.
For those who took Reglan prior to 2009, the statute of limitations may be coming up, barring any recovery for those who show symptoms of Reglan side effects. So if you or a loved one took Reglan and were subsequently diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia, Parkinson's or restless leg syndrome, it might be wise to consult a personal injury lawyer before time runs out.
Related Resources:
- Pharmaceutical Drug Liability (FindLaw)
- Defective and Dangerous Products (FindLaw)
- Prescription Drugs and Dangerous Side-Effects (Provided by Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers)