Because of the Potentially Deadly Cardiovascular Side Effects of Zelnorm, Food and Drug Administration Has Requested a Zelnorm Recall

Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, recently announced that it will cease marketing its anti-constipation, prescription drug, tegaserod maleate, which is sold under the brand name Zelnorm. Used to treat women who suffer from constipation and irritable bowl syndrome and for patients, under sixty-five, with chronic constipation, Zelnorm has been linked to some side effects which include increased risks of stroke and heart attack. According to the consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, “There were 2.13 million prescriptions issued for Zelnorm in 2005 alone, making it one of the top 200 drugs in the country."

In clinical studies that tested the efficacy of Zelnorm to treat a number of gastrointestinal ailments, it was found that 13 of 11,614 patients administered Zelnorm were stricken with potentially deadly cardiovascular side effects.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested a Zelnorm recall, to pull this potentially harmful drug from the market, it has stated that it will consider allowing Novartis to sell the anti-constipation drug, "if a population of patients can be identified in whom the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks."

If you or a loved one have taken Zelnorm and have suffered from serious cardiovascular side effects, you may be entitled to compensation. Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP, defective drug attorneys with offices in New York City and New Jersey, offers representation for individuals and families who have suffered adverse side effects from Zelnorm and other dangerous pharmaceutical products.

For further information on the Zelnorm recall and your legal options, please contact the defective drug attorneys, Alan J. Konigsberg or Diane Paolicelli at (212) 605-6200.