Metoclopramide Makers Win Judgment; No Causation in Off-Label Promotion Case

Makers of generic metoclopramide and branded Reglan March 27 won judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in a family’s birth defect suit stemming from alleged off-label promotion of the drug to treat morning sickness (Whitener v. Pliva, Inc., E.D. La., 2:10-cv-01552-EEF-KWR, 3/27/14).

Joshua and Lindsay Whitener alleged Lindsay was prescribed generic metoclopramide off-label, resulting in injuries both to Lindsay and their later-born son, Lucas.

But the court found no causation between the defendants’ alleged conduct and the plaintiffs’ injuries. The wife’s treating physician said he based his prescribing decision on his ...