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Zelnorm

Zelnorm, also known as Tegaserod, is manufactured and marketed by ZelnormNovartis. The FDA approved Zelnorm to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in 2002 and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in 2004. Zelnorm was extensively used in the United States with more than 500,000 prescribed users. Unfortunately, Zelnorm has been linked to severe cardiovascular side effects, including heart attacks and strokes. In March 2007, Novartis withdrew Zelnorm from the market.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) involves a malfunction in the intestinal system. IBS is a functional disorder and not a disease. An estimated 12 million Americans (15% of the population) suffer from IBS. IBS symptoms include:

  • Chronic abdominal pain
  • Bowel function disturbances (urgent bouts of diarrhea and/or chronic constipation)
  • Bloating

Related Topics:

Scientists are unsure what causes IBS. Typically, IBS develops in patients after a severe case of the stomach flu (known as gastroenteritis). IBS can also develop after experiencing stressful events. Researchers are studying IBS to determine if a dysfunction in the guts and brains’ neurochemical system after a stressful event causes IBS.     

What is Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)?

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is the infrequent or difficult passage of stool for a three month period. In the United States, over 30 million adults develop CIC, requiring over 280,000 annual in-patient hospitalizations.

CIC symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Straining
  • Hard or lumpy stool

How does Zelnorm Work?

Scientists believe that serotonin is a key component to the human’s gastrointestinal function. Studies reveal that 95% of serotonin is found in the intestinal tract. Zelnorm causes nerve cells to imitate serotonin. The increased serotonin levels help a person expel stool. Zelnorm does not actually cure IBS or CIC. Rather, Zelnorm provides significant relief from IBS and CIC symptoms.

Zelnorm Side Effects       

Zelnorm has been linked to several severe and even fatal side effects including:

  • Cardiovascular events (including angina, heart attack and stroke)
  • Ischemic colitis
  • Severe diarrhea

Injured by Zelnorm?

If you or a loved one has been injured by Zelnorm, please contact our Zelnorm attorneys today for an assessment of your case.



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Zelnorm Quick Facts

Zelnorm Quick Reference Guide
Other Names: 

Tegaserod

Date Approved:
2002

Manufacturer:
Novartis

Status:
Recalled (March 2007)

Approved Uses:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (in women only)
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Serious Side Effects:
Angina
Heart Attacks
Stroke
Ischemic Colitis
Severe diarrhea

Common Misspellings:
Zellnorm
Zelnorn