The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk are no longer investigating Zelnorm Lawsuits.  The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.

In March 2007, the FDA requested a recall after analysis of data collected during clinical trials demonstrated that the risk Zelnorm side effects greatly outweighed the limited benefits provided by the medication.

Side effects of Zelnorm have been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and angina, which is associated with chest pain caused by a lack of blood and oxygen to the heart.  Other potential dangers include a risk of severe diarrhea, ischemic colitis and death.  Ischemic colitis is a disorder in which part of the large intestines (colon) becomes inflammed.

The Zelnorm lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. previously investigated potential lawsuits for individuals who suffered an injury after using the IBS drug.

ZELNORM DANGER OF HEART ATTACKS, STROKE AND DEATH

Zelnorm (generic tegaserod maleate) was approved for treatment of women with IBS (irritable bowel syndrom) where the primary problem is constipation, and for men and women under 65 who have chronic constipation problems.  The IBS medication helps the stool move through the gut by encouraging a wavelike movement.

Sales of Zelnorm were halted after the FDA identified a statistically significant increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, angina and death.  The risks associated with Zelnorm are especially troubling since the drug is primarily given to young women who are otherwise healthy.  In addition, Zelnorm is not that effective at treating the non-life threatening symptoms of constipation related irritable bowel syndrome.

The Zelnorm risk of heart attacks, strokes and death was idenitifed after independent experts re-reviewed data obtained during clinical trials involving over 18,000 patients.  The Zelnorm research found that the rate of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes and angina, among patients taking the drug was .11%, compared with only .01% among those taking a sugar pill.

Experts have calculated that patients taking Zelnorm face a seven to eight fold increase in the risk of problems.  Those who are concerned about potential Zelnorm side effects should consult with their doctor, and seek emergency medical care right away if they experience any unusual or unexplained symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Early signs of problems associated with Zelnorm include:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden onset of weakness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Difficulty talking

ZELNORM SIDE EFFECT INJURY LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. reviewed potential Zelnorm side effect lawsuits for users of the IBS drug who suffered:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Angina (chest pain which can become a heart attack)
  • Gastrointestinal injuries
  • Ischemic colitis (inflammation of the colon)
  • Death

New cases are no longer being accepted. This page is maintained for informational purposes only.