FDA Permits Restricted Use of Zelnorm for Qualifying Patients

In March 30, 2007, Novartis, the manufacturer of Zelnorm, was asked by the FDA to suspend its U.S. marketing and sales because of health risks found to be associated with Zelnorm, including serious cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and angina (chest pain). Placebo-controlled clinical trials showed that 13 patients taking Zelnorm were afflicted with serious cardiovascular events, whereas only one patient taking the placebo suffered such an event. Due to these serious side effects, Zelnorm is considered a defective drug.

Many patients who were prescribed Zelnorm may have not been aware of its dangerous side effects, and many have been needlessly injured by this defective drug. Novarits is negligent because it failed to properly inform patients and physicians of these dangerous side effects and, as a result, is liable to victims who have been injured by this dangerous drug. Individuals who have been injured by Zelnorm may receive compensation for their injuries.

Zelnorm and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Zelnorm (tegaserod malete) was originally approved by the FDA to be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in women younger than 55.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastro-intestinal disorder characterized by bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While IBS causes discomfort, it is not known to cause permanent harm nor lead to disease. For many sufferers, however, IBS can be disabling.

Under age and gender restrictions, Zelnorm may be marketed as relieving the symptoms associated with IBS.

Zelnorm Lawsuits

Despite this allowance for restricted use, the Zelnorm lawyers of AWKO remain committed to seeking justice for those who have been injured by Zelnorm, including handling cases for Zelnorm heart attack and Zelnorm stroke. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using Zelnorm, then you may be eligible for compensation. It is the responsibility of Novartis to take steps to protect those who use their drugs. Please contact the defective drug lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (877) 810 4808 to learn more about your legal rights associated with Zelnorm injury.