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Reglan:
Side Effects And Problems Of Reglan

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Reglan - FDA Issues A Black Box Warning

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Reglan Lawsuits And Injury Claims

Metoclopramide HCl

In early February, the FDA put a Black Box warning on all Reglan products. An FDA Black Box warning (sometimes also called a black label warning) appears on the insert for a drug that has been found to cause serious complications and adverse effects on consumers. The warning indicates that medical studies show that the drug carries a serious risk or life threatening effects, and should be prescribed and taken with extreme caution. This is the strongest warning the FDA can issue before requiring an all-out recall, (as is currently happening with the dietary supplement line of Hydroxycut products).

Metoclopramide HCl (Reglan) has been issued a black box warning because many cases of Tardive Dyskinesia have been found to result in about 20% of patients who have taken the drug for over 12 weeks. This is a troubling statistic, because the drug is used commonly to treat gastroparesis, intestinal obstruction, post-surgery nausea and nausea induced from cancer chemotherapy.

Metoclopramide HCl Dosage

Usually, Metoclopramide HCl is prescribed to patients suffering from chronic nausea or vomiting. A 10-15 mg dose is supposed to be given 4 times every day, (but actual doses depend on specific circumstances). It’s recommended you take the drug 30 minutes before eating a meal and before bed. When used in short periods, (between 4 and 12 weeks) it has been proven to be safe and effective. The drug is available in both prescription and generic form.

How Metoclopramide HCl Works

It is classified as a prokineitc drug, which means its main aim is to affect the digestive system. The drug accomplishes this by increasing the speed and intensity of the stomach without disrupting its natural rhythm. So the main function of Metoclopramide HCl is to stimulate faster stomach contractions, which affects the small intestines and the lower esophageal sphincter.

This effect can be used to treat gastro esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and to stop excessive vomiting or nausea caused by other forms of medications or treatments.

Metoclopramide HCl Risks

There are some serious risks associated with Metoclopramide HCl. These risks are heightened by other factor that you should be aware of. These factors include:

• Drinking alcohol while taking Metoclopramide HCl can increase the severity of side effects
• Some other medications can react negatively if mixed with Metoclopramide
• If you have liver or kidney disease, a history of heart failure, diabetes or chronic depression you could suffer intensified symptoms

Tardive Dyskinesia & Metoclopramide HCl

One of the most detrimental risks that comes along with an over use of Metoclopramide is Tardive dyskinesia. This terrible disorder usually affects patients who are elderly (especially older women), but can also strike anyone who has been taking the drugs for over 12 weeks.

Symptoms of Tardive dyskinesia can include:

• Involuntary movements of extremities
• Quick and repetitive blinking and/or eye movements
• Chronic grimacing
• Constant puckering of the lips
• Finger movement impairment
• Involuntary, repetitive tongue protrusion
• Smacking of lips

Unfortunately there is currently no treatment available to treat these symptoms. The effects are often irreversible and can be debilitating in an emotional and physical sense.

Take Action Now

If you have been taking Metoclopramide HCl (Reglan) and have begun to experience any of the above listed symptoms, you have suffered an injustice. Our Attorneys can help you get compensated through our mass tort case. What happened to you was wrong, but we can help. Fill out our form to receive a free legal evaluation.