ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS DRUG:
Reglan, or its generic form Metoclopramide, is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and severe nausea and vomiting. It acts by speeding up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. Reglan is available in several forms, including tablets, syrups, and injections. More than two million people have used these products.

REGLAN/ METOCLOPRAMIDE NOW HAS A BLACK BOX WARNING:
Recently the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning against Reglan and Metoclopramide. A black box warning, the strongest warning the FDA can assign, means that the drug can be extremely dangerous. It warns doctors and patients that Reglan and Metoclopramide should only be used in cases where the benefit of the drug is believed to outweigh the risks.

REGLAN SHOWN TO BE DANGEROUS:
Reglan and Metoclopramide have been shown to cause the neurological disorder Tardive Dyskinesia. Symptoms include:

• Uncontrollable jerky movements of the face, such as blinking, grimacing, and smacking,
• Involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth and jaw,
• Uncontrolled movement of the arms, leg and torso
• Tongue protrusion or tongue thrusting
• Facial grimacing
• Uncontrolled lip smacking or lip pursing
• Rapid eye blinking or rapid eye movement

Although disuse of Reglan and Metoclopramide has reduced the symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia in some cases, there is no cure for the disorder.

AM I AT RISK? Research shows that some are more at risk for Tardive Dyskinesia than others. Those who have taken the drug for longer than the recommended 12 week period are at greater risk for developing the disorder, as are those who have taken a very high dose. Elderly women who have taken the drug are also at a high risk for developing the neurological symptoms. Adults are not the only ones at risk; children are often prescribed Reglan or Metoclopramide for acid reflux and erosive esophagitis.

WHAT SHOULD I DO? If you or a loved one have taken Reglan or Metoclopramide and developed symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia, please contact the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation.