So far, the focus on the harmful side effects of the anti-GERD and anti-nausea drug Reglan has focused on the danger it poses to older patients. But now there is a case involving a young Louisiana child. Dawn Harris is suing the makers of the drug on behalf of her son, who is a minor. She claims that his prescription of Reglan caused the child to develop Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), and demands that the company provide compensation for the damage caused.
Harris is arguing that the makers of Reglan breached specific and implied warranties in their marketing of the medication. She claims that she was encouraged to keep her son on Reglan to help alleviate his digestive conditions, and that all implications were that the medicine was safe and effective. She largely maintains that the warnings against taking Reglan for too long, that those tying it to TD were too deeply buried for her to know about and that her physician did not take sufficient steps to warn her or her son about the risk for developing this condition.
The damages Harris is seeking compensation for include medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of earnings and capacity, court costs, impairment and interest for pre- and post-judgment periods.
Tardive Dyskinesia is a movement disorder. It causes uncontrollable jerking and spasms in the body, particularly in the facial region and the extremities. While not pleasant for anyone, it can be devastating to a child who can’t understand what made them sick, or why they can’t be made better. Children should be able to trust their doctors and the medicines provided, not be rendered ill by the side effects of the drugs they have been prescribed.
