FAQs
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REGLAN
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What is Reglan?
Reglan is the brand name for generic metoclopramide, a drug used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Reglan relieves the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by strengthening stomach muscles so that the stomach empties into the intestines faster.
What is tardive dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder that is characterized by muscle movements that cannot be controlled. Symptoms and effects of this horrible condition include involuntary jerking of the arms or legs; facial movements such as tics, puffing of cheeks, tongue sticking out, lip-smacking, puckering, and chewing motions; rapid eye movements and blinking; and, occasionally, reduced movement of the fingers. The symptoms can mimic those of Parkinson’s disease, and are sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s or a Parkinson’s-like condition.
How is tardive dyskinesia linked to Reglan?
Studies now suggest that Reglan is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders. The link between tardive dyskinesia and Reglan appears to be related to the length of time a patient takes the drug, the strength of the dosage, and the number of dosages taken. Reglan is supposed to be prescribed for short-term relief of GERD and other chronic gastrointestinal disorders. However, precisely because these disorders are chronic, many patients take Reglan for much longer periods of time. The risk of tardive dyskinesia is higher for these long-term users.
Can tardive dyskinesia be treated or cured?
No. Almost always, the symptoms are irreversible, although they may be alleviated somewhat in some patients when patients stop taking Reglan. There is no treatment available.
Has Reglan been recalled by the FDA?
No. The first reports of tardive dyskinesia among Reglan users surfaced in 1995. Over the years, manufacturers began to include movement disorder symptoms in their information about possible side effects. These warnings to physicians and the public were obviously inadequate, as use of these drugs on a long-term basis has increased since then. It was not until February 2009 that the FDA demanded that manufacturers add a “black box” warning about tardive dyskinesia to their drug labels and that other safety measures be implemented to further educate patients and their physicians regarding the risks posed by these drugs, especially when used on a chronic basis.
By April 2009, a number of lawsuits had been filed against Reglan manufacturers by Reglan users, alleging that manufacturers failed to investigate their drugs, failed to warn about the potential for permanent movement disorders, and failed to take other significant steps to discourage prescriptions and use of Reglan and metoclopramide on a long-term basis.
Are there other side effects of Reglan?
Yes. Another terrifying possible side effect is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, stuff muscles, confusion, and heart palpitations. Less debilitating side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision – especially in combination with alcohol; decreased energy; restlessness or trouble sleeping; headache, nausea, or diarrhea; and allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. Diabetic patients are warned that Reglan may affect their blood sugar, which should be closely monitored. Everyone taking Reglan should read carefully the Medication Guide included in the drug’s packaging.
Who should not take Reglan?
Additional risks may also be present for Reglan patients with the following medical conditions: pregnancy, allergies, depression, heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, blood problems, kidney disease, or low levels of an enzyme called methemoglobin reductase. People who should NOT use Reglan include patients with a pre-existing seizure disorder (such as epilepsy), blockage or perforation in the stomach or intestines, or tumors of the adrenal gland. In addition, before taking Reglan, patients should talk with their doctors about medications that can interact with this drug.