Louisville Reglan Attorney
In 2009, the heartburn drug Reglan received a black box warning from the Food & Drug Administration. This warning, the FDA’s strongest, marked the drug as being particularly dangerous in high doses and over long-term treatments. Additionally, the FDA has warned that repeated Reglan prescriptions should be avoided. However, many people have already been taking this drug at the advice of their physicians and may have exceeded the FDA-recommended duration for use.
After significant testing, the federal government finally recognized the potential dangers associated with Reglan. For many patients, this new warning may have come too late. If you or someone you love has developed a neuromuscular condition after using Reglan, you may be able to pursue legal action. To learn more about your rights and options, contact the Louisville Reglan lawyers of Williams Kherkher today by calling 800-761-3187.
How Reglan Affects the Body
The major active ingredient of concern in Reglan is a chemical known as metoclopramide. When in the body, this chemical increases the rate of contraction for muscles in the upper digestive system. As a result, the body processes food faster. For heartburn sufferers, this stops stomach acid from reaching the esophagus.
While this may prevent heartburn, it can also trigger some serious reactions with the body’s muscles. Metoclopramide can affect the nervous system’s ability to communicate with muscles in the body. As a result, individuals may not be able to control their own muscles and may develop the following disorders:
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Tardive dystonia
- Cervical dystonia
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
After developing these disorders, there may be no reversible treatment method, meaning a person may have to live with these disabilities for the rest of his or her life.
What Are the Symptoms?
Considering that the Reglan black box warning label did not take effect until 2009, many doctors prescribed this drug for the treatment of heartburn. For patients, it is important to recognize the symptoms of side effects associated with the use of Reglan. The following symptoms are common among neuromuscular disorder sufferers:
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Difficulty moving or stiffness
- Slow movement
- Stiff or frozen facial expressions
As these disorders progress, the symptoms can grow significantly more severe. Eventually, those suffering from these disorders may find any major movement difficult to complete.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder as a result of taking Reglan, there may be legal recourse available. Many sufferers may battle the symptoms of these disorders for the remainder of their lives. To learn more about your options for seeking justice, contact the Louisville Reglan lawyers of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187.
