Propulsid
Propulsid may be responsible for causing irregular heartbeat and even sudden death in its users. 341 reports of heartbeat irregularities and 80 instances of death have been linked to Propulsid. Despite initial warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as early as June 1998, Propulsid-related deaths and hospitalizations continue.
Since hitting the market in 1993, about 30 million US residents, including former President Clinton, have taken Propulsid to battle Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If you think you or someone close to you has been harmed by a product containing Propulsid, contact a lawyer to determine your legal rights.
After the introduction of the drug in 1993, numerous revisions have been made to the Propulsid label to warn healthcare professionals and patients about the drug's side effects, most importantly cardiac abnormalities. Propulsid can trigger such serious side effects as:
- Cardiac arrest/death
- Heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- QT interval prolongation (irregular electrical activity of the heart)
Even though Propulsid was only connected to mild side effects when it was originally introduced, it soon became apparent that the drug was associated with arrhythmia or cardiac arrest in people with no previous signs of heart disease. Following years of rising death counts and pressure from the FDA, Janssen Pharmaceutical Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced that it would cease marketing Propulsid nationwide effective July 14, 2000.
The most severe side effect linked to Propulsid is cardiac arrhythmia, which often ends in death. The common side effects are:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
Propulsid should not be taken in conjunction with ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, fluconazole, erythromycin, and clarithromycin among other drugs. These drugs hinder cisapride metabolism and could cause your body to be overcome by toxins. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that are cause for concern.