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LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION

Attorney Discusses Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia

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St. Louis, MOPatients who have taken Reglan and suffered the reported Reglan side effects know how severe those side effects can be. On February 26, 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against the long-term use of Reglan (more than three months), noting a link between Reglan and a debilitating illness called tardive dyskinesia.

Reglan Victim"Reglan is a drug that is used to treat heartburn," says Jeff Lowe, attorney at The Lowe Law Firm. "It is particularly approved by the FDA to treat diabetic gastroparesis and to prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The primary illness that Reglan can cause is tardive dyskinesia, which affects the central nervous system."

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially serious disorder that is characterized by involuntary movements of the extremities, lip smacking and grimacing, lip puckering and pursing, tongue protrusions, rapid eye movements and rapid movements of the arms, fingers, legs and trunk. Patients who develop tardive dyskinesia report that it is an embarrassing condition that has a severe impact on their quality of life.

"People who have taken Reglan and experienced tardive dyskinesia should contact an attorney," Lowe says. "It is rarely reversible and there is no known treatment. It is often a life long condition. Tardive dyskinesia can happen at any time but it typically happens after 3 months of Reglan use. It is an unusual disorder, so anyone who has it would probably already be seeing a doctor, but you should go to a doctor for a diagnosis."

According to an FDA news release (February 26, 2009), tardive dyskinesia can develop even after patients have stopped taking Reglan. In addition to the boxed warning about the risk of tardive dyskinesia, the FDA is requiring Reglan's manufacturers to implement a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy.

The FDA also notes, "The development of this condition is directly related to the length of time a patient is taking metoclopramide [Reglan] and the number of doses taken. Those at greatest risk include the elderly, especially older women, and people who have been on the drug for a long time."

If you took Reglan and have developed tardive dyskinesia, it is not too late to contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. Although the statute of limitations varies depending on which state you live in, it is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible and find out if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.

READ ABOUT REGLAN LAWSUITS

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