Metoclopramide is the scientific name of a drug used to help people with a severe condition called gastroparesis, or "lazy" stomachs that don't empty normally. It is also prescribed for the relief of nausea and vomiting. It was introduced in 1964 by Dr.Louis Justin-Besancon and C. Laville.
This drug has gained a lot of notoriety lately, and the brand name you will hear most talked about is Reglan. It appears that there is mounting evidence that Reglan can be a very dangerous drug that should only be used in the treatment of major stomach and digestive situations. Its use might be warranted to help people suffering the side effects of chemotherapy, diabetic patients with gastroparesis, or folks with severe gastroesophagal reflux, but it appears that it is being prescribed more casually for less urgent problems.
Reglan side effects can be very severe and as of February 2009, the FDA requires that all packages of metoclopramide products be printed with prominent warning labels. The drug was previously approved in low doses and short treatment spans, but with a spate of obvious problems and claims, the possibility of permanent side effects are now spelled out for all to see.
Imagine a patient who is suffering from stomach problems and vomiting as a result of cancer treatments. They are prescribed a drug and gain some relief, but not enough. So their dosage is increased, and happily they start to feel better. It's not difficult to predict what will happen next. The treatment is working, so who would want to stop using this miracle drug, and so the treatment stretches out far longer than the recommended three months.
This is when the nerve disorder called tardive dyskinesia begins to show itself. It is characterized by involuntary movements such as grimacing, smacking and puckering of the lips, tongue protrusion, quick blinking of the eyes. Other symptoms are flying fingers, jerking arms and legs, and twisting of the upper body.
Elderly people, especially women seem to be the most susceptible to these awful side effects and they are usually the least able to have a say in their treatments. Then when they begin to lose control of their body and their mobility decreases, their quality of life goes completely downhill. This is an utter tragedy for our seniors. Tragic also is the fact that some children who have taken regular dosages of this drug can suffer their entire lives from this tardive nerve disorder.
If you or someone you love has been adversely affected, seek free legal evaluation with a Reglan attorney. It is important to hold the manufacturers of this drug and the doctors who have been negligent in prescribing it, accountable. There is a mass Reglan lawsuit in place that you can join. A significant settlement could be yours.
Author Resource:-
Nick Messe is the president of Lead Frog LLC. If you or a loved one has taken Reglan and developed tardive dyskinesia or other reglan side effects you should contact a Reglan lawyer to learn about possible financial compensation.
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