(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.
US Recall News reported on the Zelnorm Recall the day it was announced by the FDA. Click here to read the original Zelnorm Recall post, which includes information bout the dangers of taking Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate) and side effects.
If you would like more information than this, however, we suggest discussing this with a qualified doctor.
In the meantime, here is the official contact info for the company who makes Zelnorm, and by visiting the official Zelnorm website:
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
One Health PlazaEast
Hanover, NJ 07936
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Phone:
(888-669-6682)
For more information about the Zelnorm recall or to speak with a Zelnorm side effects attorney, please contact Jacoby & Meyers. The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers are accepting Zelnorm injury claims nationwide.
I am a 47 year old female who has suffered from IBS my entire life. I’d seen doctors about this situation, but most acted as if it was my imagination. When I began seeing the commercials for Zelnorm, I knew that I had all of the symptoms. So I saw my doctor and then I still had to BEG him for a prescription. The Zelnorm was a lifesaver for me…it truly changed my life. The bloating, gas, constipation, fatigue and all of the other symptoms vanished. I began exercising and stopped fearing food and other unexpected “digestive emergencies”. I literally cried when I heard that Zelnorm was recalled. I immediately contacted my doctor and I have even seen another physician about my IBS. I have tried two different medicines along with other remedies such as flax seeds and mineral oil, but none of these have come close to giving me the relief that I got from Zelnorm. While I’m sure the FDA noted some concerns, have they compared these concerns to the many, many people who took Zelnorm and whose health improved tremendously!?! The FDA needs to reconsider this rash decision and allow the many IBS suffers to get the medication we need to lead a normal life!!!
Jane H.
Baton Rouge, LA
I just read Jane’s posting and completely agree with everything she said. I have suffered from IBS with chronic constipation for the past 14 years. Before Zelnorm came out I took Miralax, which helped the constipation, but caused gut wrenching heartburn, gas and bloating. When my doctor put me on Zelnorm when it came out in 2002, I thought the answers to all my wishes had come true. For the first time in over a decade I truly felt great. Every symptom of my IBS, including the chronic constipation, had vanished. Although this drug was very costly (over 175.00 even with insurance) it was worth every penny to finally feel good. I had my life back and I was able to go on trips and outings without worrying that I would be bent over with pain. When I received the recall notice I could not believe what I was reading. My doctor put me on a medicine that is for IBS, however, does not treat the constipation issues. Also, this drug blocks your sweat glands and therefore you retain water, feel dizzy, and it basically left me thinking which is the worse evil. My doctor has now given me a prescription for Amitiza which she said all of her IBS patients have really benefited from, however, she has instructed me to take senna for the constipation. I will have to see how this one works. I second Jane’s thoughts on the FDA’s rash decision to take it off the market. I can understand making them have stronger label warnings or instructing physicians to not prescribe it to patients who are at a high risk factor for cardiovascular disease, however, for those who don’t have precursors, we should be able to take this wonderful drug!
-JMM
Oklahoma
I am one that was not so lucky with Zelnorm. I immediately had more severe problems and could not leave the bathroom for about an hour after eating. It made me more tied to my home as I didn’t dare go out after eating nor did I dare go to a restaurant. I took myself off it and shortly thereafter received the recall notice. I believe I am dehydrated, although not severely, and have had more gastro problems than before. I see my doctor next week and hope there is something else I can take. I am happy for those of you who could tolerate it as I know what you were going through.
Ann Marie
jmm is advised to google senna prior to taking it, to be well informed of dangers involved with senna. It is not a long term solution, so I am surprise it would be recommended as such by a MD. I had used Zelnorm, but had problems with it so I discontinued it. I have gone to researching the natural “good” bacteria in the digestive tract, and the use of probotics as a way to relieve 20+ years of constipation. Dannon’s Activia yogurt should be tried, as well as a number of probitics on the market now. They have had a very positive effect. I also recommend trying milk thistle extract. Expect to take about 100mg a day for a couple of weeks before determining if it is effective for you. This was taken from online “Milk thistle seed extract is an excellent tonic for anyone under stress. The herb has a gentle detoxifying effect, and its ability to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestines makes it effective as a mild laxative. Milk thistle seed extract can regulate bowel function as well, making it useful for people who alternate between diarrhea and constipation.” I do not alternate, I am strickly constipated, but this has most certainly helped me, and there is no known negitive effects that I have been able to find.