Reglan is a prescription medication used to treat short-term heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without relief of symptoms. Reglan increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. Reglan is also used to treat gastroparesis, which is a condition people with diabetes can suffer from where gastric fluids abnormally empty the stomach at a slow rate which can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness after meals.
However, Reglan does have its dangers, especially in the elderly population. It was among geriatric patients that the side effects of Reglan became apparent. A study conducted by researchers under the auspices of the Food and Drug Administration and published in 2004 noted that geriatric patients had the greatest risk of developing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder characterized by facial tics and uncontrollable jaw and tongue movement, and often affects the extremities as well). Elderly woman appear to be at greatest risk, although it is not clear whether this is because of factors related to gender or rather because women make up the majority of those who are prescribed Reglan (67 percent).
Berman & Riedel, LLP is a San Diego based law firm that represents victims of elder abuse and neglect throughout the state of California. The firm has successfully secured large settlements and awards against some of California’s worst perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect. This success is attributable to the vast experience and knowledge that each of the firm’s nursing home attorneys has in this complicated area of law.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the care an elderly loved one is receiving in a nursing home or other type of elder care facility, call Berman & Riedel, LLP today at (858) 350-8855. Our staff will happily provide you and your family with an initial free consultation to discuss with you the rights you and your family may have under California and federal law. To learn more about the firm, visit Berman & Riedel, LLP’s elder abuse and neglect website at www.preventelderabuse.com.
