Canada Raises Warning For Tardive Dyskinesia Risk With Reglan

Canadian health officials are requiring stronger warnings about the risk of movement disorders as side effects of Reglan, which is sold as generic metoclopramide. Reglan (metaclopramide) is designed for short-term treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like diabetic gastroparesis, gastroesphageal reflux (GERD) and delayed gastric emptying. However, it is often prescribed for longer periods of time due to the often chronic persistence of those ailments, which has left many users with the movement disorder. Reglan side effects have been linked to a risk of Tardive Dyskinesia, a permanent and disabling condition which causes repetitive, involuntary and purposeless movements, such as: grimacing, puckerinig or pursing of the lips, tongue protrusion or lip smacking, rapid eye movements and blinking and uncontrolled Movements of the Extremities and Fingers.

The new metoclopramide warnings were announced by Health Canada on July 20, providing additional information about the link between long-term use of Reglan and an increased risk of tardive dyskinesia, stating that “Tardive dyskinesia may develop in patients treated with metoclopramide. The elderly, especially elderly women, appear to be at increased risk. The risk appears to increase with treatment length and the total amount of drug taken. Reglan tardive dyskinesia is more likely to

be irreversible with long-term treatment (over 12 weeks). Less frequently, tardive dyskinesia can develop with short term treatment at low doses; in these cases, the symptoms are more likely to disappear either partially or completely over time, once treatment has been stopped.

Although Reglan is marketed for treatment of conditions that are often chronic and long-term problems, the medication is only approved for use of less than 12 weeks.  Since there is little benefit in treating a long term condition with a short-term treatment, many doctors continue their patients on the medications for more than three months.  In fact, about 30% of all prescribed metoclopramide drugs are taken for more than 12 months. Reglan induced tardive diskinsia is caused by damage to the system that uses and processes the neurotransmitter dopamine.  It causes an inability to stop moving, with constant, repetitive and involuntary movements, especially involving the lower face.    The problems often continue even after Reglan is stopped, are rarely reversible and have no effective treatment.