Mother Sues, Alleges Reglan Harmed Her Child

LaPlace, LAA woman who was prescribed Reglan while pregnant, allegedly without being warned of the potential side effects, is suing a handful of defendants after her son was born with serious physical deficiencies. Reglan, generically known as metoclopramide, is commonly used to treat acid reflux and other symptoms.

Lindsey C. Whitener was pregnant with her second child when she began to experience debilitating morning sickness while at work. According to the 6/10/10 issue of the Louisiana Record, Whitener's doctor prescribed Reglan and allegedly told Whitener that it was safe to use. The plaintiff states that her obstetrician never mentioned the potential harm to her unborn child.

The Louisiana woman began taking Reglan in the seventh week of her pregnancy and remained on the medication for a period of about four weeks.

In her lawsuit, Whitener states that she began having difficulties with her pregnancy beginning in the 32nd week and wound up giving birth to her son prematurely at 36 weeks. Lucas Whitener was born with various problems and physical impairments that left him in hospital for the majority of his first six months.

According to The Record, none of the doctors involved in Lucas' care could come up with a plausible cause for the little boy's health issues.

It wasn't until nearly a year later that Lucas' mother saw a television report about Reglan and the potential for side effects in infants. Whitener spoke to a number of health care professionals about the issue, and none could rule out the possibility that metoclopramide served as the root cause for Lucas' problems.

Lindsey C. Whitener, along with Joshua A Whitener Sr., filed a lawsuit against various defendants in St. John the Baptist Parish District Court in February. Pliva, one of the defendants, removed the case to federal court in May.

Named as defendants are Pliva, Inc., Pliva USA, Pliva Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Barr Laboratories, Barr Pharmaceuticals, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Rue De Sante Women's Center and John McCrossen.

The defendants are accused of failing to properly prescribe the medication, failing to properly monitor and evaluate the patient, failing to adequately and properly warn or advise the patient, health care providers and pharmacies.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, fear, mental anguish, loss of love and affection, loss of companionship, grief and mental anguish, loss of society and consortium, loss of personal service, loss of support, medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial loss/detriment.

The Whiteners are also seeking a review by a panel of experts through the Louisiana Commissioner of Administration.