Reglan Lawsuits Will Proceed Without Consolidation

Harvey Kirk

By Harvey Kirk
Posted June 9, 2009

ADD YOUR COMMENTS 40

A growing number of Reglan lawsuits have been filed or are being investigated throughout the United States following the addition of a “black box” warning earlier this year about the increased risk of tardive dyskinesia with Reglan (Metoclopramide). However, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has determined that it is not necessary to consolidate the cases in a manner similar to how a Reglan class action lawsuit would be handled for pretrial litigation, and the cases will proceed individually in various through the court system.

The various manufacturers of generic metoclopramide, which is still more commonly known by its brand name “Reglan”, have come under increasing fire recently as a result of their failure to warn that using the gastrointestinal drug for more than 12 weeks substantially increases the risk that users will suffer from tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary and repetitive movements of the lower face and limbs.

The first Reglan lawsuit involving tardive dyskinesia was filed more than 20 years ago, and more than 70 cases have been filed in state and federal courts throughout the United States since then.

Last month, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation considered a petition to centralize and consolidate 11 currently pending Reglan tardive dyskinesia lawsuits before one judge for pretrial litigation to avoid duplicate discovery, inconsistent rulings and serve the convenience of the parties, attorneys and witnesses. However, in an order issued June 3, 2009, the MDL panel denied the transfer request, stating:

On the basis of the papers filed and hearing session held, we are not persuaded that Section 1407 centralization would serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses or further the just and efficient conduct of this litigation at the present time. The eleven actions at issue do share factual issues as to whether the drug metoclopramide causes neurological injuries (principally, tardive dyskinesia). But there is no single common defendant, and some entities, such as Baxter Healthcare Corp., are named in only one or two actions. Moreover, several of the actions appear to be substantially advanced (five were commenced in either 2006 or 2007). Metoclopramide litigation has a lengthy history, and the record indicates that a significant amount of the common discovery has already taken place. The proponents of centralization have failed to convince us that any remaining common questions of fact among these actions are sufficiently complex and/or numerous to justify Section 1407 transfer at this time. Alternatives to transfer exist that may minimize whatever possibilities there might be of duplicative discovery and/or inconsistent pretrial rulings.

REGLAN LAWYERS FOR TARDIVE DYSKINESIA LAWSUITS

This ruling does not impact potential claimants’ ability to pursue compensation against the manufacturers of metoclopramide drugs for failing to warn about the serious and debilitating Reglan side effects. Potential cases are still being reviewed by our Reglan lawyers and individual lawsuits will proceed in various courts throughout the United States.

If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia or another neurological disorder after taking Reglan, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

40 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • courtney says:

    I was prescribed metoclopramide in 2001 for most of my pregnancy. I reveived it through pill and constant reglan pump. As for side effects, my daughter has been diagnosed with severe adhd and anxiety- I am wondering if Reglan is linked.

    Posted on June 21, 2009 at 1:57 am

  • Arielle says:

    I took Reglan a few years ago for my Gastroparesis and it made me have the tardive dyskinesia (or dysonic as I’ve always called it) in my face mostly. My entire jaw and lower face went sideways and my tongue felt like it was swelled it. My teeth were chattering and they wouldn’t stop. It was all really scary. Luckily for me I was actually already at the ER for a hurt wrist when I had the bad reaction so they immediately brought me back and gave me IV Bendaryl. All of it was just very scary. However today was the first time I saw anything about the lawsuits against it or it having a black box warning. Very interesting. A local ER actually gave it to my mom too for nausea. Thank god it didn’t do the same to her!

    Posted on July 29, 2009 at 8:49 pm

  • Jennifer says:

    My son was born 3 months premature in 2002 and was given Reglan regularly in the hospital and at home as prescribed for about a year or so and has now been diagnosed with ADHD. He also has a bit of a problem with his speech. I am now wondering if there is a connection. They give this medication to all preemies who suffer from reflux and that usually happens to all preemies.

    Posted on October 14, 2009 at 2:04 pm

  • Cheryl says:

    I’m also looking for a relationship with ADHD and Reglan use on premature infants. My son was born 11 weeks early and on Reglan for at least 5 months. Now at age 6 he’s been diagnosed with ADHD, has weird nervous habits and tics, blinks “hard”, speech impediment… many of the side effects now noted.

    Posted on October 27, 2009 at 12:32 pm

  • Courtney says:

    Cheryl,
    My 7 year old daught also has been diagnosed with ADHD. I was given Reglan throughout my entire pregnancy with her- up until the very end. She is extremely nervous- grinding her teeth and goes into outbursts where she cannot control her body. It is difficult to describe it so briefly, but she has really suffered, and I have a gut feeling it is from her exposure to Reglan.
    -Courtney.

    Posted on November 23, 2009 at 2:18 am

  • elizabeth says:

    I am speechless reading al of these stories about children w/adhd and reglan use in prgnat mothers. I had extreme hyperemisis while pregnat with my now 7 year old son, and was on reglan pills and then the pump for my entire prgnacy(7 weeks til 38) my son has a severe grinding problem…his dentist has never seen anything like this! And he was diagnosed last year w/adhd and this year w/ocd…he’s 7, it breaks my heart to think the med’s I took to “stay alive” while being prgnat did this to him?

    Posted on December 16, 2009 at 12:09 am

  • melissa says:

    i was perscribed reglan when i was pregnant with my twins. my daughter has a lazy eye and my son has aspergers sydrome. adhd is one of the things included in aspergers.

    Posted on December 17, 2009 at 8:16 pm

  • Kellie says:

    My 6 y/o daughter was 4 weeks premature. She was diagnosed with reflux while still in the hospital. She was prescribed reglan and was on the medication daily for almost a year. She has now been diagnosed with ADHD and learning problems. What research has been done in connection with premature infants prescribed reglan and future dx of ADHD?

    Posted on January 4, 2010 at 9:15 pm

  • Stephanie says:

    I am in aw in regard to posts of parents concerning ithe incidence of ADHD in children being exposed to Reglan. My daughter is 8. She was prescribed Reglan at about 4-5 months of age by her then pediatrician for Acid Refux. She was on the medication for about a year. I always suspected that she would have some learning disability or ADHD. She has been diagnosed with ADHD and has in my opinion some mild form of Aspergers. As noted by a few of you, she has tics and a speech and information processing disorder. I stuggled daily with speech therapy, private tutoring and other means to help her. All the while, suspecting that Reglan was the cause, if not root of her problems. Is there any justice for us parents? How will we know if we have a case? My mother also was prescribed Reglan months before her death for GERD. She had problems with face grimacing, gait, swallowing, and sedation. She shortly passed away with pneumonia. I believe it was due to complications with Reglan. Now I am aware that she should have never been prescribed Reglan because of her asthma. My history and suspicions with this drug could go on and on!!!! How do we as parents, and as daughters know that we have a case?

    Posted on February 7, 2010 at 6:34 pm

  • Erin says:

    I also took reglan throughout my pregnancy for severe HEG, my son, who is 6, is currently being evaluated for ADD/ADHD.

    Has anyone seen any research on this? Is there a connection?

    Posted on February 13, 2010 at 11:07 pm

  • Brooke says:

    My mother mentioned that she heard that Reglan was being linked to ADHD in children. My son is 5 and has been diagnosed with ADHD. He was born 14 weeks early and was on Reglan in the hospital and for several months after coming home. I can’t imagine that something that is now removed from the market was a medication that was prescribed so freely.

    Posted on February 22, 2010 at 2:25 pm

  • Mindy says:

    My son as an infant took Reglan for reflux back in 2003. He’s 6 now and also has adhd plus he gets the tics, may have ocd and possibly autism. I’m reading everywhere that there is a link to Reglan. That’s not all! I also nursed my son and my milk supply was down. I also went on Reglan to increase my supply. So, not only was my son taking it himself but getting it through my milk! I can’t believe this! Why didn’t they tell anyone?!?

    Posted on March 25, 2010 at 2:06 pm

  • Margo says:

    My son is 9 years old and was born at 30 weeks in 2001. JHe was given reglan. I told 2 of his doctors 3 yearts ago that my son was making strange movements with his neck and eyes;but they told me some kids develop habits and not to worry about it.He also had and still does have mood swings, trhoughts of death, depression, weird body movement that is starting to hurt him in his neck. His new doctor told me he has ticsand not to worry about it. my son was saiod th have adhd by his previous doctors; but I requested him to see a psychologist and she said he seems to be suffering from mood disorder. I know my son is suffering because of reglan and I am so scared because I want him to live a great life.

    Posted on April 15, 2010 at 9:06 pm

  • Erin says:

    I just wanted to update, My son was diagnosed yesterday with ADHD and has also been referred to Psychology because the doctor thinks he also suffers an anxiety disorder of some type, he was even anxious as a baby would cry at everything, she believes this may be related to the ADHD.

    Posted on April 22, 2010 at 12:23 am

  • Lucy says:

    My son today was also diagnosed as ADHD with PDD traits, a coordination disorder and memory problems. I too was on Reglan during pregnancy for sickness and was online looking for a connection when I found this site. If some real research has not been done, it obviously needs to be. It hurts so much to think I took something that has caused him to have such difficulties to overcome his entire life; I would have much more suffered the 9 months with severe sickness myself and prevented this.

    Posted on May 20, 2010 at 11:59 pm

  • Lisa says:

    I took reglan also for most of my third pregnancy as I had such horrible heartburn I couldn’t function.
    My third son was born in July 2003 and is 6 years old. He is very, very physically sensitive and has been since birth; he is hyper and likes very loud noises (hair dryers, blenders, etc, he screams along with them), he was always crying and impatient as a baby and toddler; he was dx with lazy eye 2 years ago, and now, he has FUSED FRONT TEETH I have never heard of such a thing!
    I also suspect AD/HD. He is very well behaved at school, fortunately, but he is a lot of work at home! Such a cutie though.
    I know kids are all different, but my last son is so different than my other two, I can only wonder. I am hyperactive myself, but he is really, really keyed up all the time.
    Do any of the other moms who took reglan have kids with these symptoms too?

    Posted on May 31, 2010 at 12:06 am

  • Valerie says:

    Wow, I always thought Reglan has something to do with my son’s problems. He was on it for months as a baby for GERD and developed the shakes, kind of like mini seizures. We stopped since it made him have tics, more upset, and didn’t help the GERD. He was diagnosed with Autism at 4 years of age and is now 7. I wish he was never on that drug!

    Posted on August 2, 2010 at 8:30 pm

  • Trish says:

    I had extreme morning sickness and took Reglan both pils and IV as well as (many other meds) to help me hold down food to keep me alive. Once I had the IV Reglan I Had a major reaction of constant movement of my arms and legs. It was horrible!!!!! I felt like I needed to come out of my skin! I took it my entire pregnacy!

    My daughter was born with Torticollis, lead to phalocephaly, has motor tics, lactose intol, cronic contipation, Chronic UTI’s, voiding dysfuntion, Sensory Intergration Disorder & diagnosed with Autism (PDD/NOS) at age 2. She has been in Speech Therapy since 15 months, Occupational Therapy, Physical therapy and ABA therapy. She didn’t even know her name until she was three! She is now 4 years old and with help of all the therapies , ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) and PPCD ( public preschool for children with diabilities) she is now catching up developmentaly…at age 4 years and 4 months she is NOW potty trained!!!

    I blame Reglan!!!!

    Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:16 am

  • Vanessa says:

    I was on Reglan during both of my pregnancies to treat hyperemesis. My eldest son (5 y.o.) was recently diagnosed with ADHD.
    I haven’t had much luck getting any further information on Reglan and research done on long-term effects.
    And in one article I found that although they were discontinuing the use on children and “black boxing” it that it’s still claimed to be “safe” for pregnant women to take for extreme nausea/vomiting.
    This is insane. If anyone has further information on this can they please post on th reply here?! Thank you.

    Posted on October 12, 2010 at 10:56 pm

  • Michelle says:

    OMG i am in shock, I am currently filling in forms for my sons referral to Phsyio and OT one of the questions was medication during the pregnancy. After finding the info out I thought I would google it alongside Autism as my son is currently being assessed. Does anyone know of relevant studies to support this?

    Posted on November 3, 2010 at 4:10 pm

  • Jennifer says:

    I have an 8 year old son who has recently been diagnosed with ADHD. At 2 months old he was diagnosed with tracheomalacia and GERD and was prescribed Reglan, Tagamet and Zantac. He took these meds for 2 years. After reading all the comments on this page, I am wondering if Reglan may have contributed if not caused his ADHD.

    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 1:36 am

  • Beth says:

    I had severe hyperemesis when pregnant and was given Reglan through a pump 24/7 for most of my pregnancy. My son is ADHD and I have what I thought was restless leg syndrome.

    Posted on January 4, 2011 at 5:35 pm

  • Christina says:

    My son was born in 2004.. He took reglan for months for a Gastro disorder he was diagnosed with ADHD/ADD at age 4.. Sensory Processing disorder age 5… saw a speech therapist for a year and is on an IEP for poor control of small motor skills. He has a need to chew on his shirts… they say this is from High Anxiety… my pregnancy was normal. Wanting information to know if this is caused by Reglan? Is there a connection? I have wanted an answer for so long.

    Posted on March 15, 2011 at 10:41 pm

  • Nicole says:

    My daughter was five weeks early. At two months she choked and stopped breathing. I performed CPR and she was transported to the hospital in an ambulance. After a bunch of tests she was found to have GERD. She was on Reglan until about 14 months. She is five now and possibly ADHD. We have our first evaluation appointment in a week. I am reading as much as I can about it because I am not rushing into anything. But, after reading a lot of info.. I am wondering if Reglan is linked to this.

    Posted on May 1, 2011 at 8:05 am

  • Jamie says:

    My son was prescribed Reglan his first six months of life and now suffers from ADHD and sever learning disabilities related to memory and language.

    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 1:54 pm

  • Heather says:

    I am off Reglan now,I was given it as a stool softener.Then over time I was asked if I had indigestion problems.Could not figure out why,so I started asking.Anyway ever since I had started and stopped now have had a problem swallowing and I kind of felt stupid about it.I know its such a menial problem compared to all yours.Im left paranoid to swallow.I you all find some relief!

    Posted on August 13, 2011 at 6:27 pm

  • Liz says:

    My eldest son Sean, has been diagnosed with Autism. When I attempted to breastfeed him, I was prescribed Reglan (Maxalon) to increase my milk supply. I noticed his breathing was a bit funny when I was on it so I stopped taking it and took him to hospital. They kept him in overnight for monitoring and said he was fine. I am frightened that this drug is the culprit.
    The thing that worries me now is the fact that I took this same drug again to attempt to increase my milk supply with my newborn, Liam who is currently 7 weeks of age. He isn’t showing any signs of regressing as of yet, but I am still scared!

    Posted on September 18, 2011 at 5:03 am

  • Michelle says:

    In 2004 when I was had nausea/vomiting while I was pregnant with my son, I was prescribed Reglan. He is now diagnosed with ADHD, ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), and we are having him screened for Asperger’s. I wish I would’ve never taken it if it couldn’t prevented my son from having these problems, this just breaks my heart.

    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:20 pm

  • KNORTH says:

    IN 2004 I WAS PREGNANT with my son,I was on a reglan pump & iv fluids. I stayed sick the whole time i lost 40 pounds.My son is seven now he was born with jaundice. I lived at hospitals and doctors offices due to the fact that my son has alot of breathing issues he has had pnemonia over 10 times he is adhd.its so much i could say but all i know is that the medcine they give a pregnant mother does effect her unborn child PERIOD!!!

    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:29 am

  • Shona says:

    Reading these comments makes me sick. My son was on reglan from the time he was 2 weeks until he was 7 months. He is now four and has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorder.

    Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:28 pm

  • Chrissie says:

    My son also has problems concentrating focusing math problems..diagnosed w add and odd hes 11 right now. And one school kept him home for over 40 days because of his behavior and inability to sit still which I found out is illegal for them to do. Hes missed so much he couldnt even multiply. I was on reglan from my 3rd week of pregnancy with him. This is horrible our poor children suffer for a lifetime just for capitalism

    Posted on November 3, 2013 at 3:49 pm

  • Miriam says:

    My son has been also been diagnosed with Aspergers and also he shows signs of ODD and hyperactivity. He was prescribed drugs (including Reglan) for GERD as an infant for nearly a year. I have always wondered if there was a connection there. He is now 7 years old and has extreme tantrums and fits of rage and anger when he is frustrated and obsessive behaviors. I am wondering if anyone has any information to connect this drug to Autism specifically and is there any class action suit? I wish we had known about the dangers of taking the drug at the time.

    Posted on November 21, 2013 at 3:49 pm

  • Belinda says:

    I was looking to see if there was a connection between the Reglan I was given IV while inpatient for hyperemesis and orally when I was outpatient and my daughter having ADHD with ODD. I am amazed at the number of other mothers describing the exact same problem. With so many, surely there has been a study done that a good lawyer can find. I didn’t ask for this medication, my doctor first gave it to me IV when I had been too sick to think well enough to ask him. I later just trusted him in taking it orally when not inpatient. My daughter was also born premature as most other stories. I want to be able to stop the use of Reglan on pregnant women. When I had my other children much earlier, they have you phenergan and it worked very well and didn’t hurt my children. When given Reglan IV at the time made my head hurt very bad. They gave Bendryl IV when they have Reglan IV, so they knew the other problems with Reglan. I didn’t know why at the time. I was just told it was part of the protocol.

    Posted on November 23, 2013 at 5:16 am

  • Colleen says:

    My son was given reglan for GERD as an infant and has always had severe ADHD. He is 6 now.

    Posted on May 23, 2014 at 8:24 am

  • Anmarie says:

    I have read some of the parents comments below. I tried in 2011 to bring some of the neurological issues **that are not Tardive Dyskinisia ** that my one son (1 child out of 5) the only one who I took Reglan during my pregnancy with – suffers ftom. They were obvious from infancy…..I am curious now that other parents have started to ask the same ADHD, OCD, TICS, High Functioning Autism, Speech Issues, Temperament control problems, ODD, ANXIETY – he is 5 years old by the way……severe sleep disorder since newborn. The list can go on and on. All neurological. He is my only son of four sons with these issues, my only child out of five total to exhibit such problems AND the ONLY one I TOOK REGLAN IN 2/2009 – spprox 9/2009 – how can it not be tied?

    Posted on March 2, 2016 at 7:56 am

  • Cari says:

    Don’t do it! If reading ALL these comments has not changed your mind, I don’t know what will! Very scary…I wish you the best.

    Posted on October 6, 2016 at 8:55 am

  • Tabatha says:

    I took Reglan with my 1st 2 pregnancies. My oldest has what they consider autistic tendencies, and my middle son is a high functioning autistic with ADHD and ODD. My boys are 11 and 10 now, but my youngest I didn’t take Reglan with and he hasn’t shown any autistic tendencies. Is there a link between Reglan and autism, ADHD and ODD? Should women be warned of this before taking this drug??

    Posted on November 30, 2016 at 3:15 am

  • Genie says:

    I was given this in an IV twice during my pregnancy for nausea I had a horrible reaction both Times with anxiety and a panic attack, now my son suffers from autism and has motor tics beyond his control I wondered if it had something to do with this horrible medication now Iknow.

    Posted on April 3, 2023 at 10:15 pm

  • Darren says:

    I have took reglan for about 5 or 6 years now and now I have trimmers in my hands and I jerk at times but I was diagnosed not having
    Tardive Dyskinisia so far I am seeing a Dr. For the trimmers

    Posted on September 30, 2023 at 8:49 pm

  • Darren says:

    I have taken reglan for 5 to 6 years and i have gastoperis and now I have trimmers and muscle jerks at times my Dr. Hasn’t diagnosed me with Tardive dyskinesia I just was wondering if I have a potential case. Thank you

    Posted on October 1, 2023 at 10:59 am

Add Your Comments

  • Have Your Comments Reviewed by a Lawyer

    Provide contact information below and additional private comments if you want an attorney to contact you to review a potential case.

    The information below will not be published to this page.

  • NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.