The drug, manufactured by Novartis and marketed for constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, was voluntarily pulled off the market after it was linked to heart attacked and strokes, according to federal regulators.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked for the withdrawal of Zelnorm after an analysis of 29 studies involving more than 18,000 patients found that those who took the medication had significantly higher rates of cardiac problems than those who were given a placebo.

Patients taking Zelnorm should contact their healthcare professional to discuss treatment alternatives and seek emergency medical care if they experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden onset of weakness or difficulty walking or talking, or other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Healthcare professionals should assess their patients and transition them to other therapies as appropriate.

For some patients, Zelnorm is a 'one of a kind' drug, with no substitute. There may be patients for whom no other treatment options are available and in whom the benefits of Zelnorm treatment outweigh the chance of serious side effects. FDA will work with Novartis to allow access to Zelnorm for those patients through a special program.

What is Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate)?

Zelnorm is a medicine used for the short-term treatment of women who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) as their main bowel problem. IBS is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea. The cause of IBS is not known. Zelnorm works by increasing the movement of stools through the bowels.

What is Zelnorm approved for?

Zelnorm was approved on July 24, 2002, for short term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whose primary bowel symptom is constipation.

On August 21, 2004, FDA approved Zelnorm or another use, the indication of chronic idiopathic constipation.

What should I do if I am currently taking Zelnorm?

The FDA encourages those people who are taking Zelnorm to contact their doctor and discuss appropriate alternative treatments.

Patients who are taking Zelnorm should seek emergency medical care right away if they experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sudden onset of weakness or difficulty walking or talking or other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Contact a lawyer at our firm if you have taken Zelnorm and have suffered any serious side effects.

At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of attorneys provides tough, aggressive representation for victims and their families. When you choose us to handle your Zelnorm lawsuit, our entire team becomes fully committed to your cause. We’ll find answers, hold negligent companies responsible and get you the compensation you deserve.

Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights, so please call Brown & Crouppen at Toll-Free: 866-991-4700 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.

Please consult your physician before discontinuing any medication.

Call Brown & Crouppen at Toll-Free: 866-991-4700 for your free legal
consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.

Toll-Free: 866-991-4700