Reglan is a brand name of the generic drug metoclopramide, which is utilized as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and has some serious side effects that can cause permanent damage. With its effect on dopamine receptors, Reglan is also prescribed on a short-term basis as an anti-nausea drug after some surgeries or prior to some procedures. However, many patients have been prescribed the drug for much longer periods of time.
If you or a loved one has taken Reglan and developed tardive dyskinesia or other reglan side effects you should contact a Reglan attorney to learn about possible compensation.
Not all patients prescribed Reglan suffer from the more serious side effects, such as Tardive Dyskinesia, and some do fully recover after discontinuing use of the drug. In some cases though, the involuntary muscle movements caused by Tardive Dyskinesia continue indefinitely.
The involuntary muscle movements of Tardive dyskinesia may be exacerbated in those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. If the muscle movements did not exist prior to taking Reglan, and if there is no other definitive cause, Reglan should be suspected.
In the U.S. there is no other drug available that is as effective as prokinetic for nerve-damaged gastric systems thus Reglan is the sole drug for this prescribed use. However, it has been found that physicians do not explain the potential serious side effects of Reglan before prescribing it, and with the condition of Tardive Dyskinesia being irreversible this is an issue.
Seniors in nursing homes are at more risk for the overuse of Reglan to treat symptoms. It is essential that doctors are persuaded to stop over-prescribing Reglan, especially among senior citizens who are at great risk from the side effects of the drug.
Incidents of patients suffering irreversible serious side effects of Reglan use are now under review with attorneys all over the U.S. These law firms are open to representing clients who believe they have suffered serious and permanent neurological symptoms as a result of taking the prescription drug Reglan or the generic metoclopramide.