Reglan Lawsuits Filed Across the Nation

The severe neurological disorder known as Tardive Dyskenisia has been linked to the drug Reglan as well as its generic counterpart, metoclopramide. As more medical and scientific findings on this topic are made available to the public, greater numbers of lawsuits are being filed throughout the United States.

Reglan: a cure for acid reflux

Reglan works by increasing the speed of stomach and intestinal contractions, which can alleviate symptoms of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Because of this, it has been promoted since its debut in the 1980s as a cure for acid reflux and other digestive ailments. Other prescribed uses include a remedy for nausea brought on by chemotherapy drugs or anesthesia. Reglan and its generic form metoclopramide have been prescribed to millions of patients across the nation as a treatment for these types of physical complaints.

Reglan side effect has no cure

In 2009, a direct link between Reglan and Tardive Dyskenisia was established. Immediately following those findings, the FDA mandated its strongest warning label, the “black box” warning, to advise both physicians and their patients of this serious and sometimes permanent side effect.
Tardive Dyskenisia is a neurological affliction which can cause a slew of related, uncontrollable physical symptoms. These may include repetitive and involuntary facial movements such as eye blinking, grimacing, tongue protrusion, chewing, as well as sudden leg, arm, or finger movements. This serious disorder does not have a known cure at this time, and it has been noted that its symptoms are likely to continue even after patients quit taking Reglan. The drug was approved only for treatment terms of up to three months, however patients have commonly been instructed to continue using it for longer periods, which notably increases the chances of Tardive Dyskenisia developing.

New Jersey lawsuits against Reglan growing

Currently there are at least 70 lawsuits filed in the state of New Jersey against Reglan. This number is expected to grow until February 2011, when the state statute of limitations for Reglan litigation will end. All of the aforementioned suits were filed for patients who were diagnosed with Tardive Dyskenisia or similar disorders involving uncontrollable body movements. Judge Carol Higbee in Atlantic County has been given control of all Reglan lawsuits in the state of New Jersey. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, one of the main defendants in the ongoing Reglan litigation, has its home in New Jersey. For this reason it is believed that many additional cases will be filed in that state.

Federal Reglan Cases Not Currently Eligible for Multi District Litigation

Despite the fact that rising numbers of Reglan lawsuits are being filed in federal courts, the United States Judicial Panel on multidistrict litigation has declined to consolidate these cases into a sole proceeding. Reasons given for this decision include the long history of Reglan lawsuits, as well as the fact that there are several different generic drug manufacturers involved. This ruling may change in the future, but for the time being all federal lawsuits will be processed in different courts, each with its own judge and scheduling orders.