Zelnorm Information Center: __________________ Zelnorm 101 What is Zelnorm? Did You Know? Pulling Zelnorm from the Market Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate), is a widely prescribed drug for the condition of constipation.  Zelnorm was pulled off the market after studies showed that it was linked to serious ailments, that included heart attacks and strokes.  The drug, which is manufactured by the Novartis Corporation and marketed for constipation and/or irritable bowel syndrome, was voluntarily pulled off the market after it was linked to heart attacked and strokes, according to federal regulators.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked Novartis for the withdrawal of Zelnorm after an analysis of 29 studies involving more than 18,000 patients found that those who took the medication had significantly higher rates of cardiac problems than those who were given a placebo.  Any and all patients taking Zelnorm should contact their healthcare professional to discuss treatment alternatives and seek emergency medical care if they experience or have experienced severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden onset of weakness or difficulty walking or talking, or other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Your Healthcare Professional should assess your condition and transition you to other therapies as deemed appropriate.   For some patients, Zelnorm is a 'one of a kind' drug, with no substitute. There may be patients for whom no other treatment options are available and in whom the benefits of Zelnorm treatment outweigh the chance of serious side effects. FDA will work with Novartis to allow access to Zelnorm for those patients through a special program.   

If you or your family have suffered a heart attach or a stroke while on Zelnorm - call our Law Firm at 1-800-862-1260.