If you have developed kidney problems after long-term use of heartburn medication, such as Nexium (esomeprazole) or Prilosec (omeprazole), your medication may be the culprit. Studies have found that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increases the risk of kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. PPIs come in prescription form and are sold over-the-counter (OTC). PPIs are taken to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and other conditions involving excess stomach acid.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
PPIs suppress gastric acid secretion by shutting down proton pumps in the stomach. They are used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers, and they work. The problem is that they are not safe for long-term use.
It has been known for quite some time that long-term use can cause nutritional deficiencies leading to osteoporosis and other serious health problems. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, in 2016, found that people taking PPIs were 96% more likely to develop kidney failure than those taking a different type of acid reducing medicine, called H2 blockers.
Examples of PPIs include:
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Aciphex (rabeprazole)
- Dexilent (dexlansoprazole)
- Kapidex (dexlansoprazole)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Vimovo (naproxen and esomeprazole magnesium)
- Zegerid (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate)
PPI Lawsuits
People who have suffered kidney disease, kidney failure, and other injuries as a result of taking PPIs are seeking compensation. Plaintiffs are seeking consolidation of their lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This is different from a class action, because it keeps the lawsuits separate, but it streamlines the process.
If you have been harmed by long-term PPI use, please talk to an experienced defective drug attorney to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
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