Scientists Link Kidney Complications Proton Pump Inhibitors Use
Every year, millions of Americans use Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, or other proton pump inhibitors to eliminate heartburn symptoms associated with GERD and other acid-related digestive disorders. Because of their pervasive use, few people worry about the side effects potentially associated with these drugs. However, there is an ever-growing body of research that suggests that patients who use proton pump inhibitors over an extended period of time may be more likely to develop kidney failure or other serious kidney complications.
In 2014, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ordered proton pump inhibitor manufacturers to update their labels to warn of “acute interstitial nephritis” – a sudden inflammation of the kidney tubules – as a potential side effect. If not recognized and treated immediately, this condition can progress to chronic kidney disease and even lead to kidney failure.
In 2016, research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggested that long-term proton pump inhibitor users were 96% more likely to develop kidney failure and 28% more likely to develop kidney disease than individuals using another class of heartburn medications called Helicobacter pylori (H2) blockers (think Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet).
Another 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine also suggested that Nexium and similar drugs might increase the risk of chronic kidney disease by as much as 50%.
These studies followed a previous study which indicated that patients taking PPI medications like Nexium or Prilosec could have up to a 21% higher risk for heart attack or myocardial infarction.
It is believed that drug manufacturers knew of the dangers of PPIs but concealed such risks from consumers, patients, and the medical community and marketed the drugs as safe. Numerous individuals taking PPIs have suffered serious injuries, including acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, life-threatening complications, and even death.
Federal lawsuits have been filed across the country against the drug makers of PPIs. The litigation has been consolidated and is now pending with Judge Claire C. Cecchi of United States District Court of New Jersey.
If you have suffered kidney complications after using Nexium or other PPIs, speak with a capable PPI lawyer that could help. Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC is currently offering free consultations for individuals who may have suffered or been diagnosed with a serious kidney injury after regular daily use of prescription or over-the-counter PPIs. Our firm is experienced pharmaceutical product liability and dedicated to holding manufacturers of these products liable. Contact us at (877) 277-7336. There is no charge to speak with us or for case evaluations.
