Here is more about the famous stomach drug and the "warnings" that should have been given to all Americans....
Most people taking Metoclopramide meds are on them longterm, not short term so anyone could be at risk. ( I am
shocked that they are not offered Cogentin or some kind palliative meds if they have symptoms.) I am also wondering if the
GI drug was changed when it was changed over to generic form, it has been on the market for over 10 years WHY now are problems noted.
More From Reuters::::
WASHINGTON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - A class of drugs to treat stomach disorders needs a strong warning about the risk of involuntary, repetitive movement on several parts of the body seen with long-term use or high doses, U.S. regulators said on Thursday.
The drugs contain the ingredient metoclopramide and are available in various forms including tablets, syrups and injections, the Food and Drug Administration said. Makers include Baxter International Inc (BAX.N) and several generic drug companies.
More than 2 million Americans use the medicines to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and other stomach ailments, the FDA said.
Chronic use has been linked to tardive dyskinesia, which causes repetitive movements of the limbs, lip smacking, grimacing, tongue protrusion and rapid eye movements and blinking. The symptoms are rarely reversible but may lessen or resolve after metoclopramide treatment ends, the FDA said.
2 comments:
Many people take this med for Reflux and GI Ulcer symptoms and take for long periods of time.
The page below is from the GI physicians webpage- there have been NO warnings before of this kind of problem or damage::::
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"Is there a problem if I have another disorder or disease?
At times, a drug may have a different or enhanced effect when other diseases are present. At other times, the drug may worsen or effect another disease.
With this drug, the following disorders may be a problem:
depression
Parkinsonism
Tardive dyskinesia
hypertension (high blood pressure)
partial block of or recent surgery on the bowel
chronic kidney disease
pheochromocytoma
epilepsy or seizures
diabetes - insulin requirement may change
What about allergies?
People who have known allergies or asthma may be at an increased risk for a reaction from any new medication. The physician should always know a patient's allergy history. Signs of an allergic reaction are skin rash, hives and itching. Of course, a person should not take metoclopramide if there has been a previous reaction to this or a similar drug.
What if I'm pregnant, considering pregnancy or breast-feeding?
Most females now know that, if possible, no drug, including alcohol, should be taken during pregnancy or lactation. The potential danger, of course, is an injury to the baby. However, some drugs are much safer than others in this regard. So, the FDA has a grading system for each drug which reflects what is known medically. It ranks drugs from A, where medical studies show no evidence for danger to the fetus or mother, to B, C, D and X, where the medical evidence indicates that the risk to the fetus outweighs any benefit to the mother. Metoclopramide is ranked B. Always consult your physician before taking any drug during or when planning pregnancy.
What are the effects on sexual function?
In males, metoclopramide can cause an enlargement or soreness of the breasts, a decrease in sex drive or sperm count, or an impaired or abnormally sustained erection (priapism). Females may experience a change in their menstrual cycle, breast tenderness and swelling, or galactorrhea which is the continual discharge of milk.
Are there other precautions?
Metoclopramide may cause drowsiness so avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until the drug's effects have been determined. Irritability and insomnia are other common side effects. Notify your physician if involuntary movements of the eyes, face or limbs occur. This drug is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.
How long is it safe to take metoclopramide?
Continued use of the drug for 5 to 7 days is necessary to determine metoclopramide's effectiveness. Long-term use of months to years requires physician supervision.
How about side effects?
Adverse reactions can occur with any drug, even over-the-counter medications. Some of these are mild such as a stomach upset, which may be avoided by taking the medication with food. Minor reactions may go away on their own but if they persist, contact the physician. For major reactions, the patient should contact the physician immediately.
For metoclopramide, the following are the observed side effects:
Minor:
headache
dizziness
fatigue
nervousness
insomnia
dry mouth
breast soreness and swelling
nausea
constipation
rash
Major:
confusion
drowsiness
jerky movements of face or head
muscle spasms
tremors
severe increase in blood pressure
abnormal heart rate
A physician's comment...
Metoclopramide is an older drug about which a great deal is known. Although it has many troublesome side effects, many people can take this drug without a problem. Another drug called domperidone has similiar actions but without the long list of side effects. This drug is only available in Canada and Europe at this time."
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