How Serious Are The Health Hazards Associated With Cisapride (Propulsid)?

Propulsid was approved for the treatment of night-time heartburn in adults in July 1993 and will be withdrawn as of July 14, 2000. The United States Food and Drug Administration estimates that 381 cases of heart rhythm abnormalities and 80 deaths associated with the use of Propulsid have been reported as of March 24, 2000.

Five times between the date the drug was approved and January 2000, the labelling for the drug was made progressively stronger, warning about life threatening reactions to use of the drug.

What Types Of Adverse Effects Have Been Associated With Use Of Propulsid?

Cases of serious cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointe and QT prolongation, cardiac arrest and sudden death have been observed in patients taking Cisapride (Propulsid). In rare cases, seizures have been reported. Nervous system side effects have included headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
The FDA has advised that patients with any of the following conditions should not take Propulsid:
• history of irregular heartbeats
• abnormal ECG or EKG
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• lung disease
• low blood levels of calcium magnesium or potassium
• eating disorders, dehydration or persistent vomiting

Do Propulsid Users Have A Right To Be Compensated For Any Health Problems Caused By Propulsid?

If Propulsid has caused you or a loved one significant physical damage, you may be entitled to a large compensatory award. You must protect those legal rights before they lapse by passage of time and are barred by various states’ statutes of limitations. You should contact an attorney to evaluate your rights. Many valuable legal rights are lost everyday because of people’s failure to take legal precautions.