Zelnorm Side Effects

Zelnorm | Tegaserod side effects and adverse reactions include:

• Severe diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Worsening abdominal pain
• Insomnia
• General Malaise
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Symptoms of ischemic colitis

Warnings & Recalls for Zelnorm

In 2007, the FDA asked Novartis Pharmaceuticals to recall Zelnorm | tegaserod after studies revealed that the drug caused an increased risk o cardiovascular side effects, though it was still allowed through a special FDA program to be given to certain patients. In 2008, Zelnorm was pulled out of even the restricted access program and patients receiving treatment via this method were urged to speak to their physicians about switching to a different therapy.  

Zelnorm Treatment and Use

Zelnorm | tegaserod was a serotonin agonist manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition that causes discomforts such as stomach bloating, constipation, and diarrhea; as well as chronic idiopathic constipation.

Released in 2002, Zelnorm | tegaserod was the first drug indicated for  treatment by the FDA for use in IBS cases. Zelnorm works in instances of IBS and chronic idiopathic constipation by improving muscle movement in the affected areas and allowing fluids to flow with greater ease.

Zelnorm |tegaserod  for IBS was issued in tablet form to be taken by mouth on an empty stomach, before a meal and was typically prescribed by physicians for periods of 4-6 weeks.

In 2007, Novartis was asked by the FDA to recall Zelnorm| tegaserod. The drug was later made available in a special treatment investigational new drug (IND) program but as of 2008, Zelnorm | tegaserod for IBS and chronic idiopathic constipation is no longer available in the United States.

Other Names for Zelnorm

Tegaserod

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Zelnorm