Tardive Dyskinesia Lawsuit Filed Over Reglan in Arkansas

An Arkansas woman has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Reglan over her development of tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable movements or ticks, which she alleges was caused by side effects of gastrointestinal drug.

The tardive dyskinesia lawsuit was filed on behalf of Kecia Neal on May 27, 2009, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, against Wyeth, Inc., Schwarz Pharma and Teva Pharmaceutical, which manufactured and distributed the brand name Reglan or generic versions known as metclopramide.

Reglan (metoclopramide) is prescribed for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like diabetic gastroparesis, gastroesphageal reflux (GERD) and delayed gastric emptying. Although it is only approved for short-term use of less than 12 weeks, the conditions it treats are chronic problems, and it is often used for longer periods of time.

According to the complaint, Neal alleges that she developed tardive dyskinesia from Reglan after taking the drug for more than a year to treat stomach muscle paralysis.

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder associated with repetitive and involuntary movements, especially involving the lower face and limbs. Symptoms often involve smacking or pursing of the lips, chewing, grimacing, rapid eye movements and impaired finger movements.

There is no consistently successful treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Though symptoms may diminish in the weeks or months following cessation of the drug, in many cases the uncontrollable movements are permanent and can be very social disabling.

Neal’s Reglan lawsuit joins dozens of other similar cases filed in federal district courts throughout the United States, alleging that the drug makers failed to provide adequate warnings about the side effects of Reglan, which substantially increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia when the medication is prescribed for more than 12 weeks.

Last week, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation held hearings on whether to consolidate all federal lawsuits over Reglan before one judge for pretrial proceedings to eliminate duplicative discovery, avoid conflicting rulings and serve the convenience of the parties, witnesses and the courts.