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Propulsid Side Effects & Litigation Claims

In March 2000, Jansen Pharmaceutica, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson voluntarily halted the marketing of Propulsid (cisapride) because of reports of heart rhythm abnormalities and death.

The FDA approved Propulsid in 1993. Propulsid was used to treat severe nighttime heartburn in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who did not respond well to other treatments. GERD is the backward flow of stomach contents to the esophagus. Some doctors also prescribed it to infants. In 1999, Propulsid's worldwide sales were approximately $950 million.

From 1993 until January 2000, Propulsid's label was revised five times to warn doctors and patients against the risks of taking the drug. The FDA reported in March 2000 that 381 cases of heart rhythm abnormalities and 80 deaths were recorded.

On the federal level, a multi-district litigation center (MDL) has been set up in New Orleans to handle lawsuits filed against Jansen Pharmaceutica and Johnson and Johnson. A federal judge has been appointed to preside over the vast amount of discovery that will take place between the Plaintiff's Steering Committee and the defendants.