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Zelnorm Side Effect

Manufactured and marketed by Novartis, Zelnorm received FDA approval Zelnormto treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Unfortunately, Zelnorm use is linked to an increased risk of serious cardiovascular side effects. Additionally, Zelnorm users experience an increased risk of other severe side effects, including ischemic colitis and severe diarrhea.

Zelnorm Side Effects: Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic Colitis is a serious and potentially fatal side effect of Zelnorm. Ischemic Colitis (also known as colonic ischemia) is a condition where your large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed and injured. Ischemic colitis occurs from reduced blood flow to the colon, which could be long-term or sudden and brief. Ischemic Colitis can cause serious damage to the colon and in extreme cases may lead to death.

Ischemic Colitis side effects include:

Related Topics:

  • Abdominal pain (usually on the left side)
  • Fever
  • Bloody stool
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lower back pain

Zelnorm Side Effects: Severe Diarrhea

Severe diarrhea is a mild side effect of Zelnorm. Diarrhea is a condition where a person experiences frequent and watery bowel movements. Diarrhea typically lasts for a few days; however, severe diarrhea may last for weeks or months. Diarrhea is usually caused by a virus or bacterial infection from eating contaminated foods. Diarrhea symptoms are generally mild and quickly recede. Severe diarrhea, however, may require hospitalization for:

  • Dehydration
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting

Zelnorm Side Effect Reports and Warnings

In April 2004, the FDA ordered Novartis, Zelnorm’s manufacturer, to modify Zelnorm’s label warnings about the side effects of ischemic colitis and severe diarrhea. The FDA announced that between 2002 and 2004, it received twenty reports of Zelnorm users developing ischemic colitis as a side effect. The side effect reports indicated that fourteen patients required hospitalization and four patients died.

The FDA further announced that between 2002 and 2004, it received twenty-one reports of Zelnorm users suffering from the side effect of severe diarrhea. The side effect reports specified that sixteen patients required hospitalization because the severe diarrhea caused low blood pressure and fainting.

Injured by Zelnorm Side Effects?

If you or a loved one has been injured by Zelnorm side effects, please contact our Zelnorm lawyers as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. 



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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