It is estimated that 20% of Americans suffer from acid reflux at least one time per week, with about 22 million experiencing daily bouts of heartburn. To relieve the pain and discomfort associated with gastroesophageal problems, about 15 million Americans rely on a group of medicines called Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs are available both by prescription and over-the-counter, including popular brands Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid.
The use of these drugs has increased. However, doctors are getting increasingly concerned about emerging evidence linking the long-term use of PPI drugs and serious side effects, including kidney damage and kidney failure.
The injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm are currently investigating claims on behalf of people who have developed serious side effects while taking:
- Aciphex® (rabeprazole sodium)
- Dexilant® (dexlansoprazole)
- Nexium® (ensomeprazole)
- Prevacid® (lansoprazole)
- Prilosec® (omeprazole)
- Protonix® (pantoprazole)
- Zegerid® (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate)
If you or a loved one developed a serious or chronic kidney condition while taking a heartburn drug, contact the Joye Law Firm today. The lawyers at Joye have secured over half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Studies Link Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Heartburn Drugs to Kidney Damage
According to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, scientists examined tens of thousands of patient records from a Pennsylvania hospital system. In doing so, they discovered that patients taking a PPI were at a 20-50% increased risk of chronic kidney damage when compared to patients who were not taking the drug.
Likewise, a study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, examined records in the Department of Veterans Affairs national database and found a 28% increased risk of developing kidney disease in PPI patients.
Neither study proves that taking a PPI heartburn drug is the direct cause of developing kidney disease. However, the troubling evidence of the possible link is raising questions about the medical necessity of these drugs as well as the possible need to limit the duration of treatment.
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Heartburn Drugs Linked to Other Problems
This is not the first time PPI heartburn drugs have come under fire for patient safety. In 2010, the FDA published information about the increased risk of hip, spine and wrist fractures associated with high-doses and/or long-term use of PPI drugs. This lead to a change in the way PPI drugs were labeled, in order to warn patients of the possible risks.
Possible Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Heartburn Drug Side Effects:
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Acute Kidney Failure
- Acute Interstitial Nephritis
- Cardiac Problems/Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Bone Fractures
- Low Magnesium Levels
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff) Infection
- Dementia
- Death
Legal Help for Victims of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Heartburn Drugs
Helping injured people is what we do, it is all we do. If you or a loved one suffered kidney problems or other serious side effects that you believe are linked to the use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) heartburn drugs, contact the Joye Law Firm today. Our firm can investigate a claim on your behalf at no cost or obligation to you. All information provided will remain 100% confidential. Our phones are answered 24/7, so contact Joye now and let us get to work for you.
Disclaimer: Aciphex®, Dexilant®, Nexium®, Prevacid®, Prilosec®, Protonix®, Zegerid® are trademarked brand names. Joye Law Firm claims no association between the firm and these manufacturers, brand names, products or intellectual property. Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your physician.
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