Metoclopramide (Reglan) Side Effects, Tardive Dyskinesia

Metoclopramide (Reglan) is a drug used to treat intestinal disorders, including diabetic gastroparesis. Metoclopramide is what is known as a “prokinetic” drug that works by stimulating stomach and intestinal muscles reduce the time the stomach takes to empty into the intestines.

Common metoclopramide side effects include drowsiness, restlessness, fatigue and insomnia, and depression. An even more severe side effect is the development of acute movement disorders, sometimes referred to as extrapyramidal syndromes (see “Tardive Dyskinesia, Reglan Side Effect” below).

Though recommended treatment is for fewer than three months, more than two million Americans use Reglan products. FDA study data shows that nearly 20 percent of patients take metoclopramide medications for longer than three months.

Tardive Dyskinesia, Reglan Side Effect

Tardive dyskinesia is a medical term for involuntary movements (dyskinesia), often repetitive, that are brought on by, and often last beyond the taking of, a drug (tardive). Tardive dyskinesia often mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including spasming, awkward postures, grimacing, and other involuntary muscle movements.

Prevalent in tardive dyskinesia brought on as a Reglan side effect is the involuntary puckering/pursing of lips and sticking out of the tongue.

While tardive dyskinesias are not uncommon in schizophrenic and bipolar patients taking antipsychotic medication for extended periods, FDA officials have recently identified metoclopramide (Reglan) as the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders.

There is no known treatment or cure for Reglan-cause tardive dyskinesia. Antiparkinsonism agents have no reported effect. In some cases, the condition may be lessened or disappear after metoclopramide (Reglan) treatment is discontinued.

Reglan-Caused Tardive Dyskinesia, Increased Risk Factors

Medical studies report that the development of tardive dyskinesia has a direct relation to duration and dose of metoclopramide (Reglan) taken. Stated simply, the more Reglan a patient is given, and the longer he or she is given it, the greater the likelihood that the patient will develop tardive dyskinesia.

Studies also report incidences of tardive dyskinesia are higher in females and the elderly, with elderly women having an elevated likelihood of developing the disorder. Additionally, nicotine users, especially cigarette smokers, and African-Americans appear especially vulnerable, even at low doses and short durations.

Our Nashville law office is actively pursuing Reglan injury cases in Tennessee and select cases in neighboring states. For a free consultation, call 1.800.705.2121. Or take legal action by completing Higgins Firm’s Reglan injury form.

Reglan Lawsuit FAQ

How do You Know if You Have a Valid Reglan Lawsuit?

You or someone you know was legally taking Reglan or Metoclopramide.

The medication was taken as prescribed for at least three months.

At some point, after the three month period, uncontrolled movements of the face, hand, or arms became noticeable.

What is My Case Worth?

Only a Reglan lawyer in Tennessee can help you to determine how much your case is worth. Verdicts have varied between several thousand dollars to millions.

What Will It Cost to File a Reglan Lawsuit?

You will not have to pay any money to file a Reglan lawsuit. Rather, all you need to do is call The Higgins Firm. Our lawyers will listen to your case, explain your options, and help you to understand what you can expect. As a Reglan lawsuit attorney, Tennessee residents who have been affected by the medication can feel peace of mind in knowing we will take care of your case while you focus on healing from the symptoms of the Reglan side effects. Only if we recover a settlement or verdict do we get paid.

How Long Do I Have to File a Reglan Lawsuit?

There are strict time limits to filing lawsuits. When it comes to Reglan, Teva Pharmaceuticals and other defendants reached a settlement. This means, that you should consult a Reglan lawyer from The Higgins Firm to find out whether or not you can still file a lawsuit.

Should My Lawyer be in the Same City as Me?

Your Reglan lawyer does not necessarily have to live in the same city or even state as you. If you are required to meet your lawyer, travel expenses can be arranged. It is possible that your Reglan lawyer will retain a secondary lawyer who lives close to you; this person will be known as your local counsel. They will work very closely with the out of town, primary Reglan lawyer.

Where Should I File My Reglan Lawsuit?

Every state has its own laws and where you file your lawsuit could impact your ability to recover damages. A Reglan lawyer can review your case and help you to determine the appropriate jurisdiction to file the lawsuit.

Reglan Lawsuit Update

In 2017, manufacturers of generic forms of Reglan, as well as, Pilva and Watson Laboratories, and Teva Pharmaceuticals reached a settlement. Thousands of cases, approximately 4,000, in the U.S. were resolved at this time. The details of the settlement, including the total amount of money, were kept confidential. According to legal advocates, settlements varied from thousands of dollars to over one million dollars per case.

Can You Still File a Reglan Lawsuit?

If you have only recently learned about Reglan lawsuits, but have experienced your own debilitating problems after taking the drug, you may be asking yourself “Can I still file a Reglan lawsuit?” There are legal deadlines and statutes of limitations that are applicable to these lawsuits. Depending on where you will file the lawsuit, will depend on the length of time you have to file, and whether you can still do so. If you think you might have a lawsuit, please call a Reglan lawyer in Tennessee as soon as possible.