Zelnorm | Constipation
Manufactured
by Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Zelnorm (Generic
Name: Tegaserod (teg-a-SER-od)) is a widely-prescribed
prescription medicine used for the treatment of irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
Zelnorm was
withdrawn from the market on March 30, 2007 when the
Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that use
of Zelnorm could produce "serious adverse events." The
FDA continued, "These reports include 21 patients
taking Zelnorm who have experienced serious consequences
of diarrhea, 20 patients who have been diagnosed with
ischemic colitis, and 3 patients diagnosed with other
types of intestinal ischemia. In some patients, these
adverse events have led to hospitalization, surgery,
and even death."
Respectable sources allege that
Zelnorm has been "found to increase the risk
of heart attack, stroke, and worsening heart chest
pain." Due to these extremely serious complications,
patients who currently take Zelnorm, or have taken
this drug in the past, need to be very cautious of
the serious side effects.
Ischemic Colitis
One of the most serious risks of Zelnorm use is the
development of Ischemic Colitis. Ischemic
Colitis is
a condition which results in reduced blood flow to
the intestines. In some cases, severe intestinal damage
may occur and death is rare, but possible. Signs of
Ischemic Colitis are:
• Abdominal Pain
• Fever
• Bloody Diarrhea
• Rectal Bleeding
• Vomiting
• Lower Back Pain
The most common side effects of Zelnorm use are:
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dizziness
If you or someone you care about has taken Zelnorm and is exhibiting
any of the symptoms listed above, please fill out our
Case Review Contact Form to the right on this page to
find out what your case is worth.
