Zelnorm | Constipation

Manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Zelnorm (Generic Name: Tegaserod (teg-a-SER-od)) is a widely-prescribed prescription medicine used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.

Zelnorm was withdrawn from the market on March 30, 2007 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that use of Zelnorm could produce "serious adverse events." The FDA continued, "These reports include 21 patients taking Zelnorm who have experienced serious consequences of diarrhea, 20 patients who have been diagnosed with ischemic colitis, and 3 patients diagnosed with other types of intestinal ischemia. In some patients, these adverse events have led to hospitalization, surgery, and even death."

Respectable sources allege that Zelnorm has been "found to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and worsening heart chest pain." Due to these extremely serious complications, patients who currently take Zelnorm, or have taken this drug in the past, need to be very cautious of the serious side effects.

Ischemic Colitis
One of the most serious risks of Zelnorm use is the development of Ischemic Colitis. Ischemic Colitis is a condition which results in reduced blood flow to the intestines. In some cases, severe intestinal damage may occur and death is rare, but possible. Signs of Ischemic Colitis are:
• Abdominal Pain
• Fever
• Bloody Diarrhea
• Rectal Bleeding
• Vomiting
• Lower Back Pain

The most common side effects of Zelnorm use are:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dizziness

If you or someone you care about has taken Zelnorm and is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, please fill out our Case Review Contact Form to the right on this page to find out what your case is worth.