Zelnorm, Canada

The withdrawal of Zelnorm from the market may be bad news to patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) but taking the drug may prove to be more dangerous than not.

Health Canada has directed Novartis to stop Canadian sales and marketing of the prescriptive medication Zelnorm (tegaserod hydrogenmaleate) after a recent study of clinical trial data in the US revealed a slight increase in heart attack, stroke, and chest pain. There were no adverse reports in Canada.

The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) is concerned that Canadians may still be taking the medication and urge patients to double-check their medicine cabinets. Patients have been advised to stop taking the drug immediately, and to contact their doctors to discuss an alternative prescription IBS product. Patients can return any unused Zelnorm tablets to their pharmacist and Novartis has asked pharmacists and distributors to return stocks of Zelnorm to the company.

Zelnorm was one of only a few medications approved by Health Canada to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation mainly affecting women, and chronic constipation in adults younger than 65 years of age.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a mysterious disorder that gives millions of people, mostly women, abdominal pain and either severe diarrhea or severe constipation or both. IBS affects up to 20 per cent of the population, representing at least six million Canadians. IBS patients suffer daily with what the CSIR describes as the ABCD's of IBS - abdominal pain, bloating or gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea.

Zelnorm Articles

Zelnorm Caused my Heart Attack: A Canadian's Account
Abigayle was only 36 when she had a massive heart attackâ€"the last thing she ever expected. "My cardiologist said it didn't make any sense; there was nothing wrong with my arteries but one had collapsed," says Abigayle. "I was in perfect health and I wasn't on any meds, except for Zelnorm."

No More Zelnorm
I took Zelnorm for irritable colon syndrome untl it was taken off the market," says 49-year-old Anne Amyotte. "Last June I had knee surgery and was recovering at home, then on June 16th (I know that date too well) I went to the washroom and collapsed on the floor." Within a few hours, Anne was in the ER cardiac unit.

Zelnorm Canada: Life Goes on at Novartis
Zelnorm Canada: Lucky to be Alive
Zelnorm Killed My Mother

Zelnorm Heart Attack and Stroke in the Canadian News:

APR-10-07: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) fears Canadians may still be taking Zelnorm, unaware that it has been withdrawn due to safety concerns. [CNW GROUP: ZELNORM]

Zelnorm Legal Help, Canada

If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or stroke after taking Zelnorm, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer to evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Jun-19-07