Proton Pump InhibitorHave you or someone you know suffered kidney damage or other injuries after taking a PPI? You may be able to seek compensation by filing a proton pump inhibitor lawsuit. Contact our experienced PPI injury lawyers to find out how we can help you get the money you deserve. Your consultation is free, so do not hesitate to call for help today.

One out of every five Americans suffers from health conditions caused by excessive stomach acid. Recognizing a market of potentially millions of consumers, pharmaceutical companies created a class of drugs known as “proton pump inhibitors,” or PPIs. These drugs suppress the production of the stomach acids that cause heartburn, ulcers, and other health issues.

However, stomach acids play a central role in our health and wellbeing. Research now shows that taking PPIs to suppress stomach acid can have very serious consequences, including causing serious kidney damage and certain types of cancers.

What are Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are pharmaceutical drugs that limit the amount of stomach acid your body produces. Once you take the drug, the active component binds to proton pumps in the stomach. Proton pumps are the enzymes that are responsible for secreting stomach acid. Once this bond is formed, acid production in the stomach is significantly reduced.

In simple terms, PPIs limit the amount of gastric acid that’s produced and secreted by glands in the stomach.

Why Are PPIs Used?

Gastric acid plays a vital role in our lives. Our digestive system simply wouldn’t work without stomach acids. However, acid can cause significant discomfort if (a) there’s too much or (b) it leaves the stomach.

Excess Acid Production:  Too much acid in the stomach can cause serious health issues, including peptic ulcers. These ulcers can develop in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the intestines (duodenal ulcers). Ulcers are open sores that can cause a host of health issues and complications, including internal bleeding, infection, and obstructions.

Acid Reflux: Acid produced by the stomach is literally so strong that it can burn through parts of the body. When acid rises into the esophagus, it’s common to experience a burning sensation. This is known as heartburn or acid reflux. Chronic heartburn can do serious damage to the body, ultimately destroying the delicate tissue in the esophagus. In fact, chronic heartburn is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, a potentially deadly form of cancer.

Which Health Conditions Are Treated With PPIs?

PPIs are approved to treat a variety of health conditions, including:

Since PPIs reduce acid production, they can help to treat and prevent these conditions. While acid production is reduced, the part of the body that’s been adversely affected can have time to heal and repair itself. This can offer significant relief and help to reverse serious health conditions.

What Are the Different Types of PPI Drugs?

There are several prescription proton pump inhibitors currently approved for use in the United States by the FDA. These include:

Most PPIs can only be used with a valid prescription. However, certain medications, including Nexium 24HR, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC, and Prevacid 24 HR, are available over-the-counter (OTC).

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Kidney Disease

Damage to the kidneys can do irreparable harm to your health. You may require extensive and costly medical care and surgical intervention. If your kidneys fail, you might also need to receive dialysis treatments for the rest of your life. Taking a heartburn medication shouldn’t inflict so much harm.

You shouldn’t have to carry the costs and burdens of your injury on your own. Filing a lawsuit against a drug company can allow you to recover much-needed compensation. Contact Rosen Injury Lawyers to get started on your PPI injury case today.

Why You Should File a PPI Injury Lawsuit

You’ve been prescribed a drug to help you cope with a painful health condition. You trusted your doctor and you trusted the pharmaceutical company that designed the drug. However, it turns out that taking your proton pump inhibitor every day has made your health even worse. While kidney damage is the most common injury associated with PPI use, you may also suffer from life-threatening cancers.

These new injuries and illnesses can be overwhelming. Medical bills can add up quickly. Anxiety and depression brought on by your new illness can prevent you from participating in your life. You may even be forced to miss time at work, which can jeopardize your stream of income.

You took a PPI to make your life better, not worse. A pharmaceutical company is responsible for this tragic turn of events. They should also be responsible for helping you cover whatever costs you may incur.

When you file a PPI lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

Are you struggling with a debilitating medical condition because you were prescribed Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Dexilant or another PPI medication? You may have a legitimate claim against a pharmaceutical company. Contact Rosen Injury Attorneys to learn about your legal rights and options. Our experienced proton pump inhibitor attorneys will carefully review your case and answer any questions you have.

Do I Have a PPI Injury Case?

PPIs can help manage your heartburn, but research now shows that the risks associated with these drugs may outweigh the benefits. Thousands of Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix and Dexilant users have already filed lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies for failing to disclose these risks. You may also have the grounds to file a lawsuit if you’ve also suffered complications while taking or after using PPIs.

Only an experienced PPI injury lawyer will be able to determine whether or not you have a legitimate case. There are certain factors that we will be searching for when we review your case.

You may have a valid PPI lawsuit if you took a proton pump inhibitor to treat:

AND

You developed any of the following complications:

Proton Pump Inhibitor Lawsuits – Nexium,  Prilosec, Prevacid

Several PPIs have come under fire for causing serious and irreparable organ damage. If you’ve suffered severe complications while taking a PPI, you should speak with an attorney immediately.

At Rosen Injury Lawyers, our legal team has years of experience handling complex litigation involving dangerous pharmaceutical drugs. We know that the harm caused by a dangerous drug can be devastating. As your attorneys, we’ll aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf and fight to hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the harm they’ve caused. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Nexium Lawsuit

Nexium

Photo by Mike Mozart, Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.

Nexium, or the “purple pill,” is one of the most popular proton pump inhibitors on the market. In fact, Nexium is the fourth most prescribed medication in the United States. It’s available by prescription, over-the-counter, and can also be administered intravenously in a hospital setting. Despite its widespread use, many patients are beginning to ask if Nexium is really safe to use.

While the drug is considered to be harmless when used as prescribed, patients often complain about side effects including:

In recent years, Nexium and other PPIs have been linked to more serious health issues. Most notably, long-term use of Nexium may cause acute or chronic kidney failure. Kidney failure can be life-threatening if it is undiagnosed or left untreated.

Do you take Nexium for acid reflux or heartburn relief? Have you experienced adverse side effects or severe complications? You may have a legitimate claim against AstraZeneca, the drug’s manufacturer. As of today, thousands of Nexium patients have already filed PPI lawsuits against the pharmaceutical company for failing to warn about the risk of kidney damage

If you’ve been injured, you may have the right to file a lawsuit, as well. Call our PPI injury lawyers to discuss a Nexium injury lawsuit today.

Prilosec Lawsuit

prilosec

Photo by Cygnus921, Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.

Prilosec, which is also known as omeprazole, was the first PPI drug to hit shelves back in 1989. AstraZeneca, the drug’s manufacturer, touted the new medication as a savior for individuals suffering from heartburn, acid reflux, and painful ulcers. Once only available by prescription, Prilosec is now available over-the-counter. Today, it’s one of the most commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors.

The pharmaceutical company has spared no expense in marketing Prilosec to millions of Americans. Every year, AstraZeneca pumps millions of dollars into marketing and advertising campaigns for Prilosec and other PPI drugs. You may have even been persuaded to try Prilosec after seeing Larry the Cable Guy support the drug on national television.

What these marketing campaigns have lacked, however, are clear warnings about the potential dangers of Prilosec use. Studies now show that Prilosec may be associated with an increased risk of severe health complications, including:

AstraZeneca has an obligation to warn consumers about potential risks associated with its drugs. Have you developed severe complications after taking Prilosec? Contact an experienced PPI injury attorney for help. Our attorneys know that you didn’t sign up for kidney damage or other health complications. We can help you file a lawsuit against AstraZeneca and demand the compensation you deserve. Call to get started on your case today.

Prevacid Lawsuit

Prevacid

Photo by Bob Lewis, Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.

Prevacid, which is also known as lansoprazole, has been approved for use in the United States since 1995.

However, like other PPIs, safe use of the product has come into question.

Patients taking Prevacid commonly report a variety of side effects, including:

In many cases, these side effects have been indicative of more troubling health conditions. Research now shows that using Prevacid may cause:

Advertisements for Prevacid are everywhere. However, these advertisements fail to mention the possible risk of developing these (and other) potentially life-threatening health conditions. Many injured patients have come forward and filed product liability lawsuits against Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and other pharmaceutical companies.

Do you or someone you love use Prevacid or 24-hour Prevacid to combat symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux? Have you also experienced changes in your health that may be attributed to acute or chronic kidney failure? Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers to learn about your legal rights and options. If you’ve been harmed because of a dangerous drug we’ll help you fight for the money you deserve.

Protonix Lawsuit

Protonix, which is also known as pantoprazole, has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration since 2000. The drug, which is available in delayed-release capsules and intravenous vials, is primarily used to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. While Protonix is not as widely used as other PPIs, it still carries many of the same risks.

Protonix use has been associated with increased risks of:

It’s important to speak with a PPI injury attorney if you’ve experienced any adverse health issued while taking Protonix. Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to warn you of any potential risks or hazards associated with normal use of a drug. If you’ve been injured because of Protonix use, you have the right to hold the pharmaceutical company responsible.

Contact Rosen Injury Lawyers to learn about the benefits of filing a Protonix injury lawsuit. We’re here to help you fight for the money you deserve. Call today to learn more.

Dexilant Lawsuit

Dexilant, which also goes by the generic name dexlansoprazole, is marketed as a solution for heartburn, acid reflux, and other health issues caused by stomach acid. However, marketing and promotional materials have not disclosed health complications that can arise when using the drug as intended. Many Dexilant users have reported developing serious health issues while taking the drug, including:

You have the right to file a lawsuit if you’ve been injured by a dangerous or defective drug. Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., should be held fully responsible for your injuries. Contact our PPI injury attorneys for assistance with your legal case. We’ll aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf and help you get the money you need.

Zegerid Lawsuit

Zegerid is a relatively-new proton pump inhibitor that’s available by prescription and also in 24-hour over-the-counter capsules. It shares the same active ingredient as Prilosec, but also contains sodium bicarbonate. The sodium bicarbonate is believed to further inhibit stomach acid and extend the drug’s life after consumption.

However, omeprazole is still associated with significant health risks, including:

Pharmaceutical companies may have tried to limit the dangerous of omeprazole by pairing it with sodium bicarbonate. However, they’ve still failed to disclose the fact that use of the drug can wreak havoc on your kidneys. If you’ve developed kidney disease and believe that Zegerid use is responsible, you may have a legitimate lawsuit on your hands. Hiring an experienced PPI injury lawyer will put you in the best position to get the money you deserve. Call Rosen Injury Lawyers today to learn more.

AcipHex Lawsuit

AcipHex, also known as rabeprazole, is a popular heartburn relief medication in the United States. The drug is widely used to treat stomach ulcers and damage to the esophagus. In some cases, it’s used in conjunction with antibiotics to treat stomach infections and ulcers. However, like other proton pump inhibitors, AcipHex may not be without risks.

Use of AcipHex has been associated with increased health complications, including:

Have you suffered damage to your kidneys and believe that AcipHex is to blame? You may have a legitimate product liability lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer. Contact our experienced AcipHex injury lawyers to learn about your legal options. We can help you hold the pharmaceutical company responsible for your injuries. Call today to learn more.

Are PPIs Overprescribed?

Since the 1990s, proton pump inhibitors have been some of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. In fact, no class of drugs is prescribed more frequently than PPIs. Today, millions of Americans take a PPI. However, experts believe that PPIs are:

In fact, it’s believed that half of all PPI users don’t even need them at all. PPIs can be prescribed to treat a wide range of health conditions, ranging from minor heartburn to GERD. In reality, less aggressive treatments can usually provide relief. H2 blockers (Zantac, Pepcid AC) and antacids (Tums, Pepto Bismol, Rolaids) can relieve symptoms without carrying the same risks associated with PPIs. Alternatively, simple diet and lifestyle changes can also help to mitigate issues caused by excess gastric acid.

Why is overprescription and overuse of PPIs a problem? Chronic PPI use is associated with many adverse health conditions, most notably chronic kidney disease, renal failure, stomach cancer, and esophageal cancer. Using a PPI unnecessarily, for too long, or at high doses can increase the risk of injury.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated With Kidney Disease

Our bodies cannot function properly without the kidneys. These bean-shaped organs are responsible for filtering toxins and excess fluid from the blood, controlling blood pressure, regulating electrolytes, and activating vitamin D. Your health can decline rapidly when the kidneys are damaged or injured. Kidney function can stop suddenly (acute renal failure) or decline over time (chronic kidney failure).

Symptoms of PPI Kidney Damage

Complications of kidney failure and disease include:

Several recent studies have found that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors is associated with increased risks of acute kidney injury (AKI), acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD).

According to one study, the risk of developing chronic kidney disease increases by 30 to 50 percent when you take a PPI. It’s now believed that PPIs are one of the “most common causes of drug-induced” kidney damage in the world.

Unfortunately, the risks associated with PPI use aren’t widely publicized. If the risks of irreversible organ damage were widely publicized, it’s unlikely that PPIs would be the most commonly prescribed class of drug in the United States. Instead, millions of patients taken PPIs every day, unaware that a simple heartburn drug could have potentially life-threatening consequences including kidney problems.

What Other Risks Are Associated With Long-Term PPI Use?

Blocking stomach acid temporarily can help to mitigate pain and damage in patients with heartburn, ulcers, and other health conditions. However, long-term use of PPIs has been associated with significant health risks. In many cases, these risks can cause irreversible damage and even be life-threatening.

Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

Recent studies have found that there may be a link between PPI use and chronic liver disease. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the amount of acid that’s produced in the stomach. While reducing acid may help to combat certain health conditions, it can make others worse.

Just like other parts of your body, the stomach is a battleground between healthy and harmful bacteria. Gastric acid kills harmful bacteria and microbes, which helps to maintain a healthy environment. Harmful bacteria thrive when stomach acid is reduced. This can result in a dangerous overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Overgrowth of dangerous bacteria in the stomach and intestines can migrate to the liver. Here, the bacteria can accelerate chronic liver disease. Alternatively, the bacteria can scar the liver and prevent it from working properly. This is known as cirrhosis of the liver, and it’s the leading cause of death across the world.

Stomach Cancer

Research now shows that you may be two to eight times more likely to develop certain types of cancer if you take a PPI. This is particularly true if you are prone to Helicobacter pylori (“H. pylori”) infections. An overgrowth of H. pylori is a “strong risk factor” in the development of stomach cancer. Suppressing stomach acid with long-term PPI use can allow the dangerous bacteria to thrive and put your health in danger.

Esophageal Cancer

Rates of esophageal cancer have increased in recent years. So has the popularity of OTC PPIs. Some experts suspect that there may be a correlation.  In fact, there is evidence to suggest that there may be a link between long-term PPI use and esophageal cancer.

A Swedish study of nearly 800,000 adults found that those who used a PPI were more likely to develop esophageal cancer. The cancer was most prevalent in adults being treated for GERD with a PPI in addition to aspirin or an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Dementia

Chronic PPI use may be associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Proton pump inhibitors limit the production of gastric acid in the stomach. As a result, the digestive system is thrown off balance. The body is unable to absorb vital nutrients, including B12. Studies show that B12 deficiency can cause or worsen Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. According to one study, taking a PPI can increase the risk of dementia by 44 percent.

Heart Attack

It can be dangerous to take PPIs if you are also taking other medications. PPIs do not always interact well with other drugs. Blood thinners, for example, have been shown to be less effective when taken in conjunction with a PPI. Reduced effectiveness puts patients at an increased risk for a sudden heart attack. At least one study found that the risk of a heart attack increases by 20 percent when you take a PPI. This increased risk can exist even if you are not on heart medication and do not have a history of heart disease.

Stroke

Taking a PPI can increase your risk for a stroke by 21 percent, according to researchers in Denmark. The same risk is not associated with the use of H2 blockers, including Zantac and Pepcid.

Broken Bones

PPIs suppress gastric acid production. When acid production is suppressed, the digestive system cannot work as designed. When food isn’t digested properly, the body is unable to absorb vital nutrients and minerals. Inadequate calcium absorption can cause and accelerate osteoporosis. Broken bones and fractures are more likely to occur in individuals with this degenerative bone disease. One study found that PPI use heightens the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures by 44 percent.

Colon Infection

The bacteria Clostridium difficile, also known as C. diff, can thrive when the production of stomach acid is reduced. C. diff is associated with a number of significant health issues, including potentially life-threatening colon infections. Complications of a C. diff colon infection can include kidney failure, toxic megacolon, and bowel perforation. In serious cases, the infection can be fatal.

The prevalence of C. diff infections has increased in recent years. The fact that PPI use has been chronic and widespread during this same period may be related. In fact, PPI use is associated with a 70 percent increased risk of developing a Clostridium difficile infection.

What Are the Side Effects of PPIs?

Chronic PPI use can increase the risk of serious health conditions. Signs and side effects associated with PPI risks include:

Many risks associated with PPI use can develop quietly and without you noticing. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these adverse effects while taking a PPI. Early intervention can help to keep you safe and limit the damage caused by chronic PPI use.

Contact Our PPI Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation

You took medication to help reduce the symptoms of irritating heartburn. What you didn’t know was that the medication you were prescribed could wreak havoc inside of your body. An increasing number of PPI users are reporting adverse effects, including acute and chronic kidney failure. Pharmaceutical companies are beginning to feel the pressure as injured patients step forward and take legal action.

If you’ve suffered kidney damage or another injury because you’ve taken a PPI, you may be entitled to compensation. Hiring an attorney who understands complex PPI litigation will put you in the best position to maximize your financial award. Contact Rosen Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our skilled legal team. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you fight for the money you deserve. Call now for a free case evaluation at (866) 807-4631.