Tegaserod Maleate (Zelnorm) Linked to Heart Attack & Stroke 

Sponsor of Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, have announced that will stop selling Tegaserod Maleate.  Tegaserod Maleate is being taken off the market because a new safety analysis has found a higher chance of heart attack, stroke, and worsening heart chest pain that can become a heart attack in patients treated with Tegaserod Maleate marketed under the name, Zelnorm compared to those treated with a sugar pill they thought was Zelnorm.

FDA announces the following, effective immediately: 

• At FDA’s request, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has agreed to stop selling Zelnorm.
• Patients being treated with Tegaserod Maleate should contact their physician to discuss alternative treatments for their condition.
• Patients who are taking Zelnorm should seek emergency medical care right away if they experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sudden onset of weakness or difficulty walking or talking or other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. 
• Physicians who prescribe Tegaserod Maleate should work with their patients and transition them to other therapies as appropriate to their symptoms and need.