Zelnorm Side Effects: Know the Risks

With recent news that Zelnorm, Novartis' "breakthrough" drug for the treatment of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), has been taken off of store shelves due to safety concerns, you might be wondering just what risks you take when you take a Zelnorm tablet. Though manufacturer Novartis has denied the FDA's substantial claims against Zelnorm (the result of an exhaustive analysis of nearly 30 Zelnorm studies), the risks are clear: Zelnorm has been linked to cardiovascular symptoms in roughly one percent of patients, as opposed to 0.01 percent in patients taking a placebo.

Zelnorm: Relief and Risks

Zelnorm was initially approved for the short-term treatment of constipation in women who suffer from IBS in 2002. Zelnorm has since been approved for use in IBS patients under age 65 and has been prescribed off-label to male patients suffering from IBS-related constipation and those patients who suffer from constipation of unknown origin. The drug causes nerve cells to speed the elimination of stools, effectively putting an end to constipation through the imitation of serotonin in the gut. Though Zelnorm has not been found to cure IBS (there is no current cure for irritable bowel syndrome), it was found to relieve pain, pressure and constipation in patients. Some Zelnorm side effects were already well-known before the recall: they include diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, headache, fatigue, and menstrual irregularities. But the FDA study has brought a new subset of side effects to light: "cardiovascular events" that can range from chest pain to full-on heart attack or stroke.

Cardiovascular Events in Zelnorm Patients

Some patients in the FDA studies suffered from chest pain that turned into heart attacks; others had strokes and one died of a heart attack. If you've taken Zelnorm, it's important to know the signs of a heart attack or stroke: sudden onset, disorientation or dizziness, chest pain, and impaired movement or speech. Seek medical care immediately if you experience these symptoms or any other Zelnorm side effects that cause concern. Let your doctor know that you're taking Zelnorm at the time of treatment to receive the best possible care for your condition.

Zelnorm Alternatives and Legal Options

There are other medications that treat the symptoms of IBS and lifestyle and diet changes that can help mitigate suffering for IBS patients who no longer have access to Zelnorm. However, your medical provider or gastroenterologist is the best person to prescribe the medication or lifestyle regimen that is right for you. If you have experienced cardiovascular events after taking Zelnorm, contact a medical professional immediately, then get in touch with a legal professional to discuss your legal options. You may wish to file a Zelnorm lawsuit seeking compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and/or lost wages. A good unsafe drugs attorney can help evaluate your potential Zelnorm claim and file suit. Need a referral to a Zelnorm lawyer in your area? Use our free consultation form on the upper right-hand corner of this page for a confidential, completely free case evaluation with an experienced Zelnorm attorney.


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