A proton pump inhibitors lawsuit may be an option for patients who developed chronic kidney disease or other severe complications after taking Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid, or other similar PPI drugs. Affected patients may seek compensation for their injuries with the help of a bad drugs attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated proton pump inhibitors lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Are Proton Pump Inhibitors?
Stomach acid is a natural and valuable chemical contributor to orderly digestion. But in excess or in the wrong place, it’s a menace, inflaming and irritating the esophagus, typically causing heartburn and sometimes contributing to the development of ulcers in the stomach and the intestine.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs to reduce stomach acid or improve its symptoms. They are used for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease and other excessive gastrointestinal acid secretory disorders. They work by reducing the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid.
Common Proton Pump Inhibitors (Brand Name and Generic Name):
- Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole)
- Nexium (Esomeprazole)
- Prevacid (Lansoprazole)
- Prilosec (Omeprazole)
- Protonix (Pantoprazole)
- AcipHex (Rabeprazole)
Side Effects Associated With PPIs
The most common side effects of proton pump inhibitors include headache, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence, rash and nausea.
PPIs and Chronic Kidney Disease
According to CNN, a study released in April 2016 suggests that taking proton pump inhibitors may increase a person’s risk for kidney failure and kidney disease. The study found that patients who took PPIs had a 96% increased risk of developing kidney failure and a 28% increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Earlier studies have found that taking PPIs have been linked to interstitial nephritis, an issue that may also be linked to kidney failure. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) also published a study that found a relationship between PPIs and a risk of chronic kidney disease.
Other Serious Side Effects
Other potential side effects of PPIs may include:
- Kidney Failure
- Bone fractures and broken bones
- Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels)
- Allergic Reactions
- Interstitial Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
- Cardiac disorders
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has issued multiple safety warnings relating to PPIs, ranging from an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine, to cardiac issues associated with low magnesium levels.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Lawsuit Claims
Proton pump inhibitor lawsuits are being filed to seek compensation for the injuries of affected patients. Specifically, Nexium lawsuits filed against the drug maker AstraZeneca allege that even if used as indicated, the drug maker failed to adequately warn against the negative side effects and serious risks associated with the drug, including the increased risk of kidney injuries.
Although the drug company knew or should have known of the increased risks related to the use of Nexium and certain kidney injuries, they continued to market and sell the product without warning consumers or healthcare providers.
How a Proton Pump Inhibitors Lawsuit Can Help
Drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are accompanied by full and accurate instructions and warnings to guide prescribing doctors and other health care providers in making treatment decisions. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
Patients who are injured by proton pump inhibitors may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- The permanency of the injury
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after taking proton pump inhibitors, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
Patients who have suffered severe side effects after taking proton pump inhibitors, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the drug, are encouraged to seek the advice of a proton pump inhibitors lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or 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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
