San Francisco, CA (NursingSalary.org)-  Heart burn is an issue that affects many people around the world. For some people the problem and the pain can be managed with over the counter medications and home remedies but for others prescription medications must be used. If heart burn is not controlled it can actually cause more serious problems such as an erosion of the lining of the esophagus. Unfortunately, when taking medications for heart burn or any other condition there are some risks associated with the medications. Reglan, a prescription heart burn medication that is associated with serious side effects, is one such example.

Reglan Heart Burn Medication

Reglan is a prescription medication that has been on the market for several years now and helps to stop heart burn and the conditions such as GERD that cause it. Reglan is a medication that is used to help increase the muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. What this does is allows for the stomach to empty into the intestines more quickly, doing away with the opportunity for heartburn to occur. Reglan is used for short periods of time to treat heartburn but can also be used to treat nausea, vomiting and even slow gastric emptying in those that have diabetes.

Reglan Side Effects

Reglan is like all medications in that it can cause unwanted side effects. Some of these side effects include but are not limited to fast heart rate, depression, anxiety, agitation, jittery feeling, swelling, fluid retention, jaundice and even seizures. In recent years Reglan has come under fire and many are calling for a total recall of the medication because it is also associated with much more serious side effects. Such side effects include but are not limited to suicidal ideations, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, aldosteronism and tachycardia.

While many are calling for a Reglan recall, this medication has not been recalled. Rather, it has been issued a black box warning by the United States Food and Drug Association. The black box warnings are used to let people know that the drug has serious and even fatal side effects associated with it. It has not yet been recalled by the FDA but the FDA has hinted that the recall may actually occur in the near future dependent upon any reports coming from intensive studies and reviews of side effects that are underway at this time.

While Reglan was once a preferred medication of many doctors and many patients, its sales numbers have dropped off steeply as reports have come in making it clear how dangerous this medication may be. Patients who are still taking the medications have been advised of the risks by their doctors and likely by their pharmacists as well. The medication will continue to be dispensed and taken at the risk of the patient until a full blown recall is issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration. For patients who have been harmed by Reglan, there are many lawyers specializing in class action suits that are helping to obtain court settlements from the manufacturers of Reglan.