GI Drug Reglan Could Cause Irreversible Side Effects
PAGER, a nonprofit organization that provides information and support to parents, patients and doctors, is looking into dangerous side effects caused by the commonly prescribed gastrointestinal drug, Reglan. This is a very common medication prescribed by doctors to improve the muscle tone of the esophagus and intestines. It is also often used to treat heartburn and acid reflux in adults and children. However, earlier this year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a "Black Box Warning," the most severe kind of warning, for Reglan because of an overwhelming number of adverse reaction reports filed.
PAGER (short for Pediatric Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux association) officials say they have been hearing complaints about Reglan since 1995. Several parents reported that their children experienced "unusual facial and neck movements" and very often, those movements did not go away when the drug was discontinued.
Slowly, the group started to hear from doctors and began gathering information from journals for psychiatrists and pharmacists that Reglan caused a condition known as "tardive dyskinesia," which means involuntary movements caused by a drug. The involuntary movements, PAGER found, vary from one patient to another. The muscle movements could range from tongue movements to back spasms. In some, it could cause excruciating pain or trouble walking. In many situations, however, tardive dyskinesia is irreversible.
Many dangerous drugs that cause serious side effects are still on the market, being prescribed to millions of patients. They also rake in millions if not billions in profits for the pharmaceutical companies. It is usually the consumer who has to deal with the problems that arise as a result of these dangerous drug effects. If you have suffered serious health complications as a result of taking Reglan, please contact the skilled St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Page Cagle to find out more about your legal rights and options. We have access to top national experts and scientists who can help solidify your case and we will conduct a thorough investigation. Call us today at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Source: http://www.reflux.org/reflux/webdoc01.nsf/(vwWebPage)/ReglanBlackBoxRelease.htm?OpenDocument
