Reglan Linked to Serious Side-Effects

Reglan (metoclopramide) is a prescription drug used to treat certain gastrointestinal conditions such as diabetic gastric stasis and gastric reflux, or heartburn. Reglan is a dopamine antagonist that increases lower esophageal sphincter pressure and improves gastrointestinal emptying.

Reglan, manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, was FDA-approved for short-term treatment only after other methods of treatment have failed. However, evidence shows that one-third of patients are prescribed Reglan for longer than 12 weeks, which is against FDA recommendations.

Some of the more serious Reglan side effects are:

- Tardive dyskinesia - involuntary muscle movements, usually in the face and tongue, but sometimes in the trunk or extremities or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- Parkinson's-like symptoms - slow movements, rigidity, and tremors
- Akathesia - a severe anxiety and inability to sit still
- Suicidal Tendencies and other mental depressions
- Seizures and convulsions

Some of these side effects progressively worsen and may eventually become irreversible. The label on Reglan does advise of these side effects but states that the incidence is rare. Yet studies have shown that the use of Reglan can cause Tardive dyskinesia in as many as 27% of its long-term users.

I am currently evaluating Reglan cases. If you or someone you know has experienced adverse side-effects from the use of Reglan similar to those listed above, please call me at (215) 790-7379. Evaluation of your case is free. Waiting too long may compromise your legal rights.

PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS INITIATE CHANGE IN CHANTIX WARNINGS

(Feb. 1, 2008) The FDA announced a public health advisory about abnormal behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and actual suicidal behavior with Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug, Chantix. The FDA provided updated calculations reflecting the following:
- 491 cases of suicidal thinking or behavior, including 420 in the US. And of those, there were 39 suicides, including 34 in the US.

“We’ve become increasingly concerned as we see a number of cases that truly look like exposure to the drug and not other causes,” says Bob Rappaport, director of the FDA’s division of anesthesia, analgesia and rheumatology products, in a briefing this afternoon with reporters. As of now, he adds, “there’s no definitive evidence there’s a causal relationship” between Pfizer and the abnormal and suicidal behaviors. Although, the agency notes that “it appears increasingly likely that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.”

The FDA started reviewing cases last November after national attention grew as a result of the case of Carter Albrecht. Albrecht was a guitarist and keyboardist with the band Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians. He died September 3, 2007 after being shot in the head by a neighbor as he tried to kick in his door.

Earlier that day, Albrecht had been having drinks with his girlfriend Ryann Rathbone at a local Dallas bar. After he become intoxicated, Rathbone drove Albrecht to their home where they both took their dose of Chantix. After that, Albrecht became incoherent and violent, breaking a glass and hitting Rathbone. When Rathbone left the house, Albrecht followed and she locked him out. He pounded on the door then went next door and began pounding on the neighbor’s door. The neighbor warned Albrecht to stop and fired a warning shot through the door, which hit Albrecht. Family and friends say that this type of violent behavior was atypical of Albrecht and believe that the use of Chantix caused the events.

Albrecht’s case is not so uncommon when compared to other normally calm people who have taken Chantix. Suits like Albrecht's initiate change and assist in protecting individuals who may have otherwise ingested this dangerous drug.

Chantix Update: FDA Evaluating Reports of Suicidal Thoughts In Chantix Users

On November 20, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") reported that it is evaluating post-marketing adverse event reports about Pfizer Inc.'s smoking cessation drug Chantix upon receiving company submitted reports about Chantix users having suicidal thoughts.

The FDA asked Pfizer for the reports. The FDA said that while it analyzed data, it recommends that health care providers monitor Chantix patients for behavior and mood changes. The FDA said patients should report behavior and mood changes to their doctors.

Claudine Q. Homolash, Esq. represents consumers who have been injured as a result of dangerous drugs and other products.