Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia

Reglan, manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, has long been used in over 2 million children and adults for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as diabetic gastroparesis disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The ill effects of Reglan use has not become fully apparent until recently. The FDA has announced that long term and high dose use of Reglan is linked to Tardive Dyskinesia, a highly disabling medical condition that creates repeated involuntary muscle movements of the face, tongue, eyes, arms and legs. This is particularly disheartening since the drug is only approved for short term use, but physicians have prescribed longer term use for many years. It is recommended that treatment not exceed three months.

Tardive Dyskinesia not only impedes day-to-day life, but is embarrassing because of involuntary body movements that may be rapid and jerky, slow and continuous. The lips may repeatedly grimace, the tongue may protrude irregularly, the eyes may move rapidly, the arms, legs and fingers may be impaired. There is no proven medical treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia, but the symptoms have decreased in a select number of people using Reglan once the medication was not used any longer.

Reglan has not been recalled by the FDA. Instead, there has been a black box warning placed on the drug label that describes the risk of Tardive Dyskinesia, even after the drug is stopped. The risk of Tardive Dyskinesia is greatest with long term or high dose use. This black box warning was placed following a high number of reports of Tardive Dyskinesia in Reglan users. Reglan is considered the most common cause for drug induced movement disorders.  Reglan, also known as Metoclopramide, is available in the form of tablets, syrups, and injections.

Mr. Burton Padove has vast experience in the area of drug litigation. He also has an impeccable background in the area of medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one has Tardive Dyskinesia and took Reglan, call Burton Padove for a free consultation at 219-836-2200.