Zelnorm was removed from the market in March 2007 after a study showed that patients who used the gastrointestinal drug suffered a greater incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked that manufacturer Novartis halt sales after 13 people in trials suffered ischemic events, including angina and stroke. One person died.
If you or someone you know suffered a serious heart attack or stroke, or died as a possible result of taking Zelnorm, you may want to contact a Zelnorm attorney for a free evaluation of your case.
Zelnorm, generically tegaserod maleate, is used to treat short-term irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, and chronic constipation.
The FDA asked that Zelnorm be removed from the market after Novartis submitted a pooled analysis from 29 short-term trials which showed a statistically significant increase in heart attacks and strokes.
Sales of Zelnorm reached a reported $488 million in the United States in 2006.
The FDA said it would consider a limited re-introduction of Zelnorm if patients can be identified for whom the benefits of tegaserod outweigh the risk of seriously harmful side effects.
Kline & Specter, PC, is based in Philadelphia and has more than 40 attorneys, five of whom are also highly skilled doctors. The law firm has had success litigating product liability and prescription drug lawsuits in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and nationwide. For a free evaluation of your case, click here to contact a Zelnorm lawyer.
News Resources:
Tom Kline on Fox TV on the Zelnorm removal, 4/5/07
ABC News
USA Today
