Off-Label Uses of Reglan
Reglan is approved by the FDA to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in adults not responsive to other forms of treatments. It is to be used for a term of no more than 12 weeks. While Reglan, also known as metoclopramide, has received the FDA’s strongest “black box” warning because it has been known to cause Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), it is cited as an effective treatment for a number of “off-label” uses.
Off-label uses are valuable for many drugs, but with a medication as dangerous as Reglan, doctors should be incredibly careful before putting people at risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia.
More Warnings for Reglan
Because there are so many “off-label” uses of metoclopramide, some believe that more warning labels are necessary for the medication. Reglan is often used in the following off-label ways:
- Premature Babies: to stimulate the digestive tract
- Pregnant Mothers: to relieve morning sickness
- Nursing Mothers: to encourage the production of breast milk
Particularly troubling is the idea that an infant could be exposed to Reglan in the womb (when the mother is treated with Reglan for morning sickness), through breast milk (from a mother using Reglan to stimulate lactation), and then directly if treated with Reglan for infantile GERD.
Contact Us
Many indicators point to the fact that Reglan’s warnings, though serious, are insufficient. If you or someone you love has suffered because of this drug, you need to get in touch with the Reglan side effect attorneys of Williams Kherkher today by calling 800-761-3187.
