Zelnorm® Side Effects and Recall Lawyers in San Diego, Southern California
The experienced Zelnorm® attorneys at our San Diego practice are ready to assist individuals in recovering compensation for personal injury associated with this potentially dangerous drug. The legal team at Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center is well-known for its commitment to justice and obtaining fair settlements for our injured clients. Following the recent nationwide Zelnorm® recall due to adverse side effects, the lawyers at our Southern California firm can provide aggressive representation for victims throughout the United States. Over the years, our accomplished attorneys have handled numerous cases involving dangerous and defective drugs.
Zelnorm® Information
Developed by Novartis AG, the prescription medication Zelnorm® was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2002 for the short-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women. Irritable bowel syndrome can produce abdominal pain, cramping, or disruption of bowel function including gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not entirely known, but are believed to be related to changes in the nerves that control feeling and function in the bowel. Because women are diagnosed with IBS more frequently than men, some researchers believe that hormonal changes may play a significant role in the onset of the condition.
The FDA later approved the use of Zelnorm® to treat chronic constipation in both men and women less than 65 years of age.
If you were prescribed Zelnorm® and suffered harmful side effects, contact our attorneys in San Diego today. Serving victims throughout the nation, the Zelnorm® recall lawyers at Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center in Southern California will guide your case and provide aggressive representation.
Zelnorm® Recall
On March 30, 2007, the FDA released the results of 29 Zelnorm® clinical trials involving more than 18,000 test subjects. The FDA went on to warn patients and healthcare professionals about several of potentially life-threatening Zelnorm® side effects, including angina, heart attack, and stroke. Novartis AG responded by discontinuing the marketing of Zelnorm® and beginning a nationwide recall of the medication.
Most patients treated with Zelnorm® have reported relatively common side effects, such as headache and diarrhea. However, more serious side effects were revealed by the clinical trials. In addition to the potentially life-threatening cardiovascular events, the Zelnorm® trials also uncovered cases of bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and severe abdominal pain that are suggestive of intestinal ischemia. This serious condition arises when blood flow to the colon or small intestine is impeded, often by a blood clot blocking the blood flow to or from the intestines. In many cases, the clot begins in the heart and travels to one of the major intestinal arteries. The decreased blood flow starves intestinal cells of oxygen, and if left untreated, causes them to weaken and die. As more cells are damaged, the digestive tract becomes inflamed, ulcers develop, and food and nutrients are unable to be absorbed. Infection and gangrene follow. Without timely treatment, intestinal ischemia can be fatal.
Victims of serious Zelnorm® side effects should contact the attorneys at our Southern California firm. At Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center in San Diego, our Zelnorm® recall lawyers help victims in Southern California and throughout the United States to obtain compensation for damages associated with the use of this potentially harmful medication.
Contact Our Zelnorm® Attorneys in San Diego
Kerry Steigerwalt's Pacific Law Center represents clients throughout the United States who have been injured by harmful Zelnorm® side effects. The recall lawyers at our Southern California firm have extensive experience in representing claims involving dangerous drugs. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact the Zelnorm® attorneys at our San Diego legal practice.
