Zelnorm (tegaserod) is a drug prescribed for the short-term treatment of constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as chronic constipation. The drug was initially prescribed only to women.
IBS is a disorder that gives millions of people abdominal pain and either severe diarrhea, constipation or both. IBS occurs mainly in women, and Zelnorm was mostly prescribed to women. Zelnorm has been the only drug therapy for the constipation-causing form of IBS approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On March 30, 2007 the FDA notified healthcare professionals and the public that the manufacturer of Zelnorm, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Company, agreed to discontinue marketing Zelnorm in the United States.
FDA studies showed a large number of severe cardiovascular events (angina, heart attack, and stroke) in patients taking Zelnorm. The drug has also been linked to serious cases of diarrhea and ischemic colitis. Prior to the March 2007 decision to remove Zelnorm from the market, the FDA also had received 21 reports of severe diarrhea that caused low blood pressure (hypotension) and fainting (syncope).
If you or a loved one is currently taking Zelnorm, you should contact your physician immediately. Also, if after taking Zelnorm, you experienced chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness or any other symptoms that might be associated with a heart attack or stroke, please seek emergency medical care immediately.
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe cardiovascular event, such as a stroke or a heart attack, while using Zelnorm, please email or call us today at (800) 364.3864 to speak with a member of our firm about your Zelnorm injury claim.
