A Prevacid lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications after taking the medication to treat symptoms associated with stomach ulcers and stomach acid. Prevacid has been allegedly linked to serious side effects and risks, including chronic kidney disease, bone fracture, severe diarrhea, kidney failure, and hypomagnesemia. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of a bad drugs attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Prevacid lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Prevacid?
Prevacid, also known as lansoprazole, is prescription medication used to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Prevacid is a type of medication known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Prevacid is most commonly used to treat the symptoms of duodenal ulcers, infections associated with H. pylori bacteria, stomach ulcers caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus, and conditions where the stomach makes too much acid, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Prevacid Chronic Kidney Disease
In January 2016, CBS News reported that there may be a link between certain PPIs, including Prevacid, and chronic kidney disease. According to the CBS article, a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal used data from over 10,000 self-reported PPI users and concluded that PPI use is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
While the exact relationship between PPIs and chronic kidney disease remains unknown, researchers suspect that the medications’ ability to lower magnesium levels could damage the kidneys. Magnesium is an important mineral used in kidney function. Likewise, the kidneys may become damaged over time if patients experience repeated periods acute kidney inflammation associated with PPIs, according to the CBS New report.
Prevacid Side Effects
Common side effects of Prevacid include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
Serious side effects of Prevacid include:
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Abnormal or fast heartbeat
- Jitteriness
- Jerking or shaking movements
- Muscle weakness
- Spasms of the hands and feet
- Muscle cramps or aches
Other Prevacid Risks
Prevacid has been linked to other serious risks and side effects. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), patients may experience a deficiency in vitamin B12 as well as lower magnesium levels in the body. These side effects can be serious and can begin appearing after long-term use of the medication.
A rare but serious condition known as acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) has been reportedly linked to the use of PPIs. In a 2008 article published in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, a case of lansoprazole (Prevacid) induced interstitial nephritis was reported in an elderly patient who showed no specific symptoms after about 45 days of treatment with the medication.
In a separate study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2015, researchers concluded that older adults who started PPI therapy had an increased risk of acute kidney injury and AIN.
In 2011, the FDA released safety information regarding the use of PPIs and a possible increase in the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures. According to the safety information, several epidemiological studies found that those at greatest risk for these fractures received high doses of PPIs or used them for a year or more.
Additionally, the FDA has released a wide range of safety information related to PPIs such as Prevacid. These warnings cover issues related to low magnesium levels associated with long-term use, increased risk of bone fracture, and bacteria that cause serious diarrhea that does not improve.
How a Prevacid Lawsuit Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the Prevacid may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
