posted on Apr, 2 2007 @ 07:31 PM
US FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested that Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation of East Hanover, New Jersey, voluntarily discontinue
marketing of Zelnorm (tegaserod) based on the recently identified finding of an increased risk of serious cardiovascular adverse events (heart
problems) associated with use of the drug. Novartis has agreed to voluntarily suspend marketing of the drug in the United States.
Zelnorm is a prescription medicine approved in July 2002 for short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome whose primary symptom is
constipation. It was subsequently approved in August 2004 for treatment of chronic constipation for men and women under age 65. Zelnorm is marketed in
55 countries.
FDA is currently advising patients who are using Zelnorm to contact their health care providers to discuss treatment alternatives. Patients who are
taking Zelnorm should seek emergency medical care 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.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Looks like another drug has gotten approved and heavily marketed before knowing some dangerous side effects. Anyone taking this drug should
reevalutate their need for it with their doctor.