Reglan Linked To Involuntary Muscle Movement
Reglan, the prescription drug used to treat gastrointestinal conditions in children and adults, is under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also known by the generic name, metoclopramide, the drug has been linked to Tardive Dyskinesia, an involuntary muscle movement commonly found in the face or tongue, as well as body extremities.
Metoclopramide is the main ingredient found in gastrointestinal medicine and helps speed up the movement of a patient’s stomach muscles. The increase in movement shortens the time it takes for the stomach contents to empty into the intestines.
The drug is approved to be taken in short-term in periods of no longer than three months, however, many patients have been prescribed the medication for a year or more. Currently, Reglan is available in the form of tablets, oral disintegrating tablets, oral solutions, and injections. Tardive Dyskinesia is a permanent and severe condition that affects the central nervous system and leads to involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and extremities. The symptoms may be reduced or eliminated if the patient stops taking Reglan for gastrointestinal problems, however, there is currently no effective treatment for the disorder.
Symptoms and Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia:
- Facial grimacing
- Repetitive chewing
- Jaw swinging
- Tongue thrusting
- Involuntary movements of the extremities
- Lip smacking, pursing, and puckering
- Rapid eye movements or blinking
- Impaired movement of the fingers.
In February 2009, the FDA announced a black box warning for Reglan cautioning users of the drug's link to Tardive Dyskinesia. The development of this condition is directly related to the length of time a patient has been taking Reglan and the number of doses taken. The FDA is also requiring manufacturers to research and provide patients with a medication guide explaining the risk of Tardive Dyskinesia with chronic metoclopramide treatment. It is estimated that more than two million people in the U.S. currently use products containing metoclopramide. Those at the greatest risk include the elderly, especially older women, and people who have been taken the drug for a long time.
If you are taking Reglan or metoclopramide, you should consult with your physician before making any changes or discontinuing taking the medication. Decision about when to start or stop taking a medication should be made in consultation with your physician. And if you or a loved one has suffered any side effects related to Tardive Dyskinesia while taking the gastrointestinal drugs, contact the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.
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