Reglan (Metoclopramide)

If you or a loved one has taken Reglan to treat short-term heartburn or gastrointestinal issues associated with diabetes, be aware that as early as February of 1996, the FDA warned that Reglan causes an increased risk of Parkinsonism. Moreover, recently published analyses suggest that Reglan is the most common cause of two severe drug-induced movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. On February 26, 2009, the FDA announced that manufacturers of Reglan must add a Black Box Warning to all information regarding Reglan, stating that long-term or high-dose use of this drug has been linked to tardive dyskinesia.  Specifically, all patients who take Reglan, and doctors who prescribe of Reglan, must be warned that it “has been shown to cause spasms and tics when used for long periods of time or at high doses. The problems include uncontrollable movement of the limbs, face and tongue, and are usually irreversible, even after patients stop taking the drug.” Although the prevalence of neurological impairment appears to be highest among the elderly, especially elderly women, it is impossible to predict which patients are likely to develop side effects, making Reglan a very dangerous medication.

“The chronic use of Metoclopramide (Reglan) therapy should be avoided in all but rare cases where the benefit is believed to outweigh the risk,” stated Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a statement issued recently.

• Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary repetitive movements of the limbs and lips, rapid eye movements or blinking, and impaired movement of the fingers. These symptoms are rarely reversible and there is no known treatment. However, in some patients, symptoms may lessen or resolve after Reglan treatment is stopped.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening, neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms include high fever, sweating, unstable blood pressure, disorientation, muscular rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. In most cases, the disorder develops within the first 2 weeks of treatment, however, the disorder may develop any time the drug is used.

Drug: Reglan (Metoclopramide)
Condition: for the treatment of heartburn and/or digestive issues associated with diabetes and other conditions
Complications: tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome

If you or a loved one took Reglan and have experienced any of these symptoms or side effects, Click HERE for a free evaluation of your case by the Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer.