Prilosec Proton-Pump Inhibitor Attorneys

Many people suffer from severe cases of heartburn and other problems that include gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. During the past 20 to 25 years, different medications were released onto the market that provide consumers who were suffering from these chronic conditions some form of relief. One of the leading medications in this area is known as Prilosec.

The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology^[1] published a study linking long-term use of PPI antacid medications like Prilosec with a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Prilosec is a heartburn drug that was approved by the FDA in 1989. It is a medication that decreases the amount of stomach acid to prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux disease). Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn and damage to the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach). Prilosec is also prescribed to treat certain stomach/intestinal ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Prilosec and Chronic Kidney Disease

In January of 2016, JAMA Internal Medicine published a study linking PPIs with a 20-50% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease. The conclusions were based on more than 13 years of data on 10,500 patients who used PPIs or non-PPI heartburn drugs. Researchers found that twice-daily use of a PPI was associated with a 46% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease, while a once daily dose was associated with a 15% increased risk.

Prilosec and Hip Fractures

In January 2012, a study published in the British Medical Journal^[2] found that the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors increases the risk of hip fractures. The researchers found that women who regularly used these types of medications for at least two years were 35% more likely to suffer a hip fracture. The risk was greatest for post-menopausal women who smoked.

In May 2010, the FDA warned doctors and consumers that Proton Pump Inhibitor use could lead to the increased risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures. The FDA warned that patients who had received high doses of Prilosec and other PPI medications for longer than one year or more were most at risk. Fractures are caused by a low calcium levels in the body, caused by PPIs. When stomach acid is reduced, the body experiences a gradual decrease in health because essential nutrients are not being absorbed by the body.

Contact a Prilosec Injury Attorney

If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after using Prilosec or another proton pump inhibitor medication, it is important to speak to a skilled Prilosec injury attorney as soon as possible. Patients who were harmed by proton pump inhibitor medication can file a lawsuit in civil court against the drug manufacturer to obtain compensation for their damages and losses including medical bills and lost income. At Michigan Injury Lawyers, our caring and experienced defective drug lawyers are here to help. Contact us today at 313-GET-HELP to speak to our skilled Prilosec injury attorneys.

References

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27080976
[2] http://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e372