Louisiana man sues maker of acid reflux medication Reglan
June 28th, 2010 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
A Louisiana man is suing the manufacturer of the acid reflux medication Reglan (metoclopramide) alleging the medication caused him to develop a debilitating nervous system disorder known as tardive dyskinesia. Isreal Bennett of Jefferson Parish filed the suit against Qualitest Pharmaceuticals on June 11, 2010, in federal court in New Orleans.
Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder that causes involuntary movements, especially in the lower face. Symptoms include facial grimacing, jaw swinging, repetitive chewing and tongue thrusting. It is a serious side effect from long-term use of antipsychotic drugs as well as metoclopramide, but sometimes the condition occurs with short-term use of the medication. The condition may be reversed if it is diagnosed early and the medication is stopped; however, in many cases, the involuntary movements may be permanent and in some cases may become significantly worse.
Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on Reglan (metoclopramide) after numerous reports of consumers developing tardive dyskinesia after taking the drug. The label now warns of the risk of the disorder with long-term (12 weeks or more) use of the drug.
Bennett took Reglan (metoclopramide) as an acid reflux treatment from December 2008 to May 2009 and developed tardive dyskinesia. He claims the defendant provided inaccurate, misleading, incomplete, false and inadequate information about the risks in taking Reglan (metoclopramide). He is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical disfigurement, physical impairment, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, court costs, and interest.