Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia

Reglan is commonly prescribed to treat acid reflux, but Reglan can have severe side effects. Reglan is known to cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious, debilitating and permanent movement disorder.

Reglan is a commonly prescribed to treat nausea and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Reglan can also produce dangerous, permanent and debilitating side effects. One of the most disturbing side effects of Reglan is a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a serious disorder whose symptoms include compulsive twitching, grimacing and other involuntary muscle movements.

Reglan has caused this debilitating movement disorder in many people who have taken the drug, even in those who have only taken Reglan for a brief period. People who have been affected by these dangerous side effects are filing Reglan lawsuits seeking compensation for the debilitating effects of tardive dyskinesia.

What you Should Know about Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia

Reglan is known to cause tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that causes people who have it to involuntarily twitch, grimace or have other uncontrollable movements.

Reglan in the News

Doctors have known about tardive dyskinesia for over 50 years. Tardive dyskinesia was first noticed among patients who took antipsychotic drugs for long periods. Reglan is similar in its chemical structure to these antipsychotic medications, and Reglan is known to have similar side effects.

Individuals taking Reglan are warned to be alert for symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, including any uncontrollable body movements, such as:

An FDA study of Reglan discovered that up to 20% of patients who took Reglan for more than 12 weeks developed some form of tardive dyskinesia. There is no cure or effective treatment for tardive dyskinesia.

When did Drug Companies Know about Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia?

Reglan is the brand name of metoclopramide. Reglan belongs to a type of drug known as neuroleptics. Doctors have known for decades that long-term use of neuroleptic drugs can cause involuntary muscle movements and tardive dyskinesia, and the specific association between metoclopramide and tardive dyskinesia was first reported in the 1970s.

What has Been Done about Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia?

The danger of Reglan causing tardive dyskinesia was clear that the FDA took the step of addimg a "black box" warning label to Reglan. Since February of 2009, all forms of Reglan or metoclopramide sold in the United Sates have had to carry a warning label:

Taking metoclopramide may cause you to develop a muscle problem called tardive dyskinesia. If you develop tardive dyskinesia, you will move your muscles, especially the muscles in your face in unusual ways. You will not be able to control or stop these movements. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away even after you stop taking metoclopramide. The longer you take metoclopramide, the greater the risk that you will develop tardive dyskinesia.

What can I Do about Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia?

If you have taken Reglan and been diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia, the law firm of Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers can help you seek compensation for your injuries. For more than 25 years, our attorneys have successfully represented our clients and stood up for the rights of people harmed by pharmaceutical companies and dangerous drugs. We are a nationwide law firm serving clients from all over the country. We handle all Reglan-related injury cases on a contingency basis.

To learn more, or for a free case review from an experienced pharmaceutical, please contact us by email or call us at 1-800-349-0127.