Two more lawsuits filed against makers of heartburn drug Reglan
August 4th, 2010 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
Two more lawsuits have been filed in federal court in New Orleans against the manufacturers of an acid reflux medication that allegedly causes a debilitating involuntary movement disorder known as tardive dyskinesia. Ellen Austin filed a suit against Actavis, Actavis Elizabeth and Watson Pharmaceuticals. Leslie Keeper filed suit against Qualitest Pharmaceuticals. Both lawsuits claim the drug Reglan, also known as the generic metoclopramide, caused them to develop the movement disorder.
Reglan is a medication commonly used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as severe heartburn or acid reflux, and diabetic gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. It is indicated as a short-term therapy to be used for no more than 12 weeks. Studies have shown that long-term use of Reglan puts users at a 1-in-5 risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. The condition causes sufferers to develop symptoms such as lip smacking, tongue thrusting, eye blinking and bulging, head jerking, facial grimacing, puckering and pursing of the lips, and involuntary movements of the fingers. The condition can be permanent, continuing even after the offending medication has been stopped.
Both lawsuits claim that the drug’s manufacturers didn’t adequately warn users that they were at risk for developing tardive dyskinesia. Both Keeper and Austin are 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.
Reglan and the generic metoclopramide now carry an FDA boxed warning about the risk of developing the movement disorder.