Reglan Side Effects

Reglan (Metoclopramide) is used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), heartburn and acid reflux disease. Although most side effects are temporary, a side effect that allegedly can be permanent, is Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tardive Dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements such as grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Impaired movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano.

The FDA has only approved Reglan for short term use (4 to 12 weeks), but approximately 30% of patients are being prescribed the medication for 12 months or longer, which can result in tardive dyskinesia.

Although the labeling mentions tardive dyskinesia as a possible side effect, it claims the occurance is rare. However, two studies have determined that 27 to 29 percent of long term users of Reglan come down with tardive dyskinesia.

Tardive is a horrible, devastating syndrome that can last a lifetime. It affects victims physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and vocationally. It can cause involuntary movements of the tongue, mouth, face, lips and even arms and legs.

Other serious Reglan side effects are Neuropleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), which is often fatal. Patients can develop NMS after only short exposure to a drug. NMS symptoms include high fever, sweating, unstable blood pressure, stupor, muscular rigidity and autonomic dysfunction. Symptons can appear within the first 2 weeks of taking a drug.

If you have taken Reglan for a long time, and have experienced the side effects of Tardive Dyskinesia or Neuropleptic Malignant Syndrome, please contact an attorney immediately to determing your rights to compensation.