(UPDATE 7.27.2007): The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it is permitting the restricted use of Zelnorm to treat women younger than 55 who meet specific guidelines. Read More Here.
Zelnorm, a popular pharmaceutical drug used in the treatment of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, has been recalled due to serious health issues.
The Zelnorm recall comes after several studies showed that some patients treated with the drug had serious cardiovascular problems, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina (chest pain), and stroke, associated with use of Zelnorm and generic equivalents.
The Recalled Pharmaceutical Drug
Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate)
Zelnorm is used for women with irritable bowel syndrome and patients with constipation.
Patients who have been taking tegaserod maleate should contact their healthcare professional immediately to discuss alternative treatments, and to have their cardiovascular system checked for abnormalities.
Zelnorm is manufactured by:
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
One Health Plaza
East Hanover, NJ 07936-1080
Many pharmaceutical injury attorneys and law firms have begun to look into the possibility of filing lawsuits on behalf of patients who had heart attacks, strokes and other adverse events while taking Zelnorm. If you have experienced any of these side effects, we advise you to contact a doctor first and foremost. You should also discuss your options with lawyer, including time limits on filing a claim. For more information about the Zelnorm recall or to speak with a Zelnorm side effects attorney, contact Jacoby & Meyers. The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers are accepting Zelnorm injury claims nationwide.
It’s sad that because a minimal number of people have experienced side effects that are not even reliably proved to be connected to Zelnorm, millions of people whose lives had improved immensely cannot continue enjoying the quiality of life that Zelnorm provided.
Yes, a minimum number of people. But these are SERIOUS side effects. A little nausea or restlessness is one thing. But when it comes to your heart, you can’t afford to take chances.
I’m shocked! I didn’t even know it had been recalled until I attempted to refill my prescription today! The pharmacy couldn’t provide me with any information regarding the recall either. This medication really helped a lot but an occasional laxative was still necessary … now what? I have pre-existing cardiac problems prior to Zelnorm … one more thing to worry about !
I truly feel for those of you who were using Zelnorm, and who no longer have a treatment for your condition. To top it off, you now have to consider the possibility of heart damage from the Zelnorm treatment. I am sure it is not an easy predicament in which to be, and my sincere condolences go out to you.
Hi , I too Went to get my script filled today and was told It was recalled . I was like Oh god no ! Zelnorm helped me so much . No I will be scared to leave the house or travel..I alreadyhave heart problems in the family and strokes for that matter So I am glad they found what ever it was they found before it was to late for me or others using zelnorm , But I do hope they find another med as good as zelnorm. Now its back to the bloating , constipation, and cramping. grrrrr
Newsflash, folks! There is NO confirmed relation of Zelnorm to heart problems. Your pharmacist and doctor will stand there with a blank stare, hands in the air and NO CLUE to share with you. This is all political. The Powerful Pharma Lobby reaching their Big Brother hand into your home and life once again. You can still get it online through British websites and Indian website. Sorry, I can’t guarantee the quality.
The difference btwn Zelnorm and any other treatment for these conditions is that it works more like an antidepressant and less like a laxative. It sends Serotonin to the nervous system of the digestive tract rather than forcing all of the fluid in the body to the the stomach and flushing it out. The American Pharm Cos have not been able to mimick this drug made by a Swiss co. and there you go. No longer available in America.