Studies Suggest that Zelnorm May Cause Heart Attack, Stroke and Other Serious Injuries
The FDA issued a public health advisory on March 30 to inform patients and others that Norvartis, sponsor of Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate), has agreed to stop selling the drug. As noted in Garrow & Evans’ earlier blog (see Zelnorm (Tegaserod), Causing Injury, Is Pulled From the Market, April 3, 2007), Zelnorm has been removed from the market because a new safety analysis has found a higher chance of heart attack, stroke, and worsening heart chest pain that can become a heart attack in patients treated with Zelnorm compared to those treated with a placebo (sugar pill) they thought was Zelnorm.
What advice does the FDA give consumers who once relied (or still rely) on this drug for constipation?
- Seek emergency medical care if experiencing severe chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sudden onset of weakness or difficulty walking, talking or other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
- Consult with you doctor as soon as possible, even if you have no symptoms, to discuss other treatment options.
- Ask your doctor to monitor the health of your heart over the coming months --- just to be sure.
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