Zelnorm Side Effects

There are a number of possible side effects with Zelnorm. Among the drug's common side effects are headache, nausea, and intestinal gas. A few rare side effects include restlessness, depression, and swelling in the arms or legs. Some side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider include bloody diarrhea or rectal bleeding; new or suddenly severe abdominal pain (or stomach pain); and lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

Zelnorm Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Zelnorm® (tegaserod maleate). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When people do develop Zelnorm side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with Zelnorm. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Zelnorm side effects with you.)
 
In March 2007, Zelnorm was taken off the market in the United States because it was shown to increase the risk for a heart attack, angina, or stroke. In July 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zelnorm will be available to people who meet certain criteria through a special program called a "treatment IND" (see Zelnorm Recall for more information). However, as of April 2, 2008, Zelnorm is no longer available under the treatment IND program, although it may still be available in certain emergency situations.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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