Reglan Usage during Pregnancy

When a woman is expecting a baby, her body goes through many changes. Her belly becomes round, her feet may widen, and she can experience changes in taste. Another condition that can arise is morning sickness, a problem suffered by an estimated 80% of pregnant women. In some cases, this condition may be so severe that doctors choose to prescribe her with metoclopramide, or Reglan.

Doctors are not quite sure what causes morning sickness. It may be linked to higher estrogen levels as a woman’s hormonal levels change during pregnancy. However, morning sickness itself can cause nausea and vomiting. While this typically only lasts 12-14 weeks, some people suffer from morning sickness for much longer.

To help relieve morning sickness, a woman does have some options for home treatment. She can start eating many small, bland meals rather than large, rich meals. Certain vitamins such as B6 and B12 are also linked to lessening nausea. When this fails, though, doctors may prescribe Reglan.

In a study published in the June 11, 2009 issue of the “New England Journal of Medicine,” doctors found that Reglan during pregnancy does not contribute to birth defects, at least in this limited study. However, it can still cause a number of health problems in the mother.

Reglan use has been shown to cause permanent disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). A pregnant mother who uses metoclopramide may start with some muscle spasms in the head and neck, but these can become lifelong problems.

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Perhaps using Reglan to alleviate morning sickness isn’t worth it—metoclopramide can leave a mother with a permanent disability that may keep her from taking care of her children and even herself. If you or someone you know has suffered from negative side effects due to Reglan usage, you should speak to a lawyer regarding your rights.

For more information, contact an experienced metoclopramide attorney today by calling Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187.