Reglan, also known as metoclopramide, is used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without relief of their symptoms. Reglan is also used to treat slow gastric emptying in people with diabetes (also called diabetic gastroparesis), which can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness after meals. These drugs work by speeding up the movement of the stomach muscles, thus increasing the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines.

Chronic use of Reglan has been associated with a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, which can continue to affect Reglan users even after the drug is discontinued. The term tardive dyskinesia has been in use since 1964. This disorder is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements. Tardive dyskinesia can plague victims long after they stop taking Reglan. There is no treatment or cure for tardive dyskinesia

Reglan lawsuits allege that Wyeth knew of a widespread tendency among physicians to mis-prescribe Reglan for long periods of time even though the medication is approved only for 12 months of use. Reglan, and other forms of metoclopramide, are taken by an estimated 2 million Americans. In February 2009, the FDA mandated that the makers of Reglan and other metoclopramide products add a boxed warning to their labels regarding the risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with chronic, long-term use. Reglan lawsuits have already been filed against Wyeth alleging that it and its sales representatives knew about and encouraged the long-term prescription of Reglan to patients with chronic conditions. According to these Reglan lawsuits, the drug was promoted this way even though the FDA had not approved the long-term use of Reglan, and despite the lack of safety data to support this type of use.

If you or a loved one have been adversely affected by taking Reglan for an extended period of time, call Hach & Rose today for an evaluation.