Long Term Use of Reglan Leads To Serious Complications

Classified as a dopamine antagonist and developed in the 1950s to treat psychiatric patients, Reglan is now used to help increase the muscle contractions in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Stronger muscle contractions help to increase the speed the stomach empties into the small intestine. Reglan, generically known as metoclopramide, is a drug commonly prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of stomach fullness. Reglan works by increasing pressure at the point where the esophagus connects to the stomach through muscle contractions and helps the stomach deliver food faster into the intestines to complete the digestive process. It is prescribed for both children and adults. Evidence shows that extended use of Reglan can potentially cause the serious neurological syndrome, Reglan induced 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 piano. On February 25, 2009, The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) required the manufacturers of metoclopramide-containing drugs (Reglan) to add a “Black Box” warning to the products warning of an increased risk of the development of Tardive Dyskinesia. Victims suffering from tardive dyskinesia are highly advised to contact a lawyer to file a Reglan lawsuit.

Reglan was approved for short-term use to treat GERD, acid reflux disease and heartburn. However, some patients are prescribed Reglan for longer-term use, 12 months or longer. Meanwhile, other patients are prescribed Reglan for uses not approved on the label. These include treatment of pregnancy-related nausea and morning sickness, lactation stimulation and treatment of migraine headaches. Everyone who has taken this drug is at risk for side effects of Reglan, especially the very young and very old.