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Reglan Lawsuits

Reglan is a prescription drug that treats short-term heartburn and has been linked to tardive dyskinesia — repetitive, involuntary movements of the extremities. Although Reglan has not been associated with wrongful death, people have been harmed and therefore may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other burdens stemming from drug treatment defects. Victims or family members of the victim should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to adhere to statutes of limitations.

How Reglan Works

Reglan (metoclopramide hydrochloride) is an oral medication that treats a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. It is meant for short-term use of four to 12 weeks in patients with persistent heart burn or diabetic gastroparesis — a digestive disorder in which the stomach does not contract.

Reglan treats heartburn and other digestive disorders by increasing the contractions of stomach muscles, which raises the rate of gastric emptying. As a result, the stomach empties food to the intestines more quickly, giving patients relief from heartburn and other digestive disorders.

However, ongoing use of Reglan may lead to tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements of the extremities. Reglan lawsuits claim that the drug manufacturer, Wyeth Incorporated, should have done more to warn doctors and patients of the potential risks.

Compensation for Reglan Side Effects

Victims of defective drugs may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, lost income and lost opportunities caused by the side effects of a drug. Some personal injury lawyers also earn punitive damages for their clients, which are awarded to punish the defendant(s) for their wrongful actions and prevent similar actions in the future.

Research has suggested that drugs containing metoclopramide, including Reglan, may cause tardive dyskinesia. Patients with tardive dyskinesia may experience the following symptoms:

  • Blinking
  • Grimacing
  • Lip smacking
  • Pursing of the lips
  • Rapid eye movements
  • Tongue protrusion
  • Impaired movement of the fingers






Some of these uncontrolled movements can cause patients physical harm, as well as embarrassment in social settings. Many patients have filed suit seeking compensation for these unfortunate side effects.


 

Filing a Reglan Lawsuit

Reglan is a prescription medication that contains metoclopramide, a drug that treats short-term heart burn and diabetic gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, in diabetics. Many patients who have taken Reglan have developed tardive dyskinesia, an irreversible condition that has no treatment.

Is Reglan Safe for Nursing Mothers?

Reglan has been proven to increase the production of prolactin — a hormone that is primarily responsible for lactation. Many physicians prescribe Reglan to new mothers to increase their breast milk production. Recent studies have shown that small traces of Reglan are found in breast milk; however, the drug has no shown side effects in infants. Women taking Reglan to increase their breast milk production should closely monitor their moods, as the drug can cause depression and/or anxiety. They should also avoid prolonged use of the drug, as this may lead to tardive dyskinesia.

Several victims of Reglan's side effects have filed personal injury claims against Wyeth Incorporated, the manufacturer of the drug. Many claim the warning label inadequately highlighted the severity of the risks involved with Reglan and its prolonged usage. In February 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a "black box" warning for Reglan, its sternest warning. Under FDA mandate, Wyeth Inc. must highlight the risk of tardive dyskinesia in a boxed warning on the drug's label.

When filing a claim against a drug manufacturer, a personal injury lawyer for injuries may cite any number of statutes and laws. Some states have laws regarding pharmaceutical liability, while others hold defective drug manufacturers to account under general strict liability laws, which do not require negligence to be proven.

When You Might Need an Attorney

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Reglan, a personal injury attorney who has experience with defective drug claims can evaluate your case and help you determine your legal rights. Your lawyer can identify any expert testimony needed to highlight medical, pharmacological, regulatory, or other defective drug issues that may help support your case.

In some cases it is more advantageous to file or join a class action lawsuit against the defective drug manufacturer, awards from which can amount to millions of dollars for the victims. Speaking with a defective drug attorney will help you determine whether you are eligible to receive compensation for your suffering.