Protonix Injury Lawsuits
Have you developed health issues while taking Protonix, a popular heartburn medication? You may be entitled to compensation. Research reveals that taking Protonix for extended periods of time can be extremely harmful to your health. Specifically, Protonix can increase the risk of developing acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.
Despite this information, Pfizer has continued to market and sell its popular proton pump inhibitor. It has not adequately warned patients about the health risks associated with the medication. You have the right to make an informed decision about the products you use and consume. Pfizer has stripped you of this right.
Rosen Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our law firm today to learn about your legal rights and options. Your first consultation is free, so call our Protonix injury lawyers for help today.
Protonix Lawsuits Accuse Pfizer of Failing to Disclose Health Risks
Protonix, which is also known as pantoprazole, is associated with several adverse health risks, including kidney injury, stomach cancer, and death. Studies now suggest that Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company responsible for Protonix, knew or should have known about these risks.
Thousands of Protonix injury lawsuits are pending in state and federal courts across the country. Plaintiffs in these Protonix lawsuits claim:
- Protonix a defective drug and unreasonably dangerous
- Protonix is associated with several adverse health events
- Pfizer negligently designed, manufactured, and marketed a dangerous drug, and
- Pfizer failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about side effects and health risks.
Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to provide consumers with safe medications. Risks and complications associated with the use of a drug must be disclosed. Drug companies can be held financially responsible if undisclosed risks associated with a dangerous medication cause patients harm.
Protonix Injury Lawsuits Centralized in New Jersey
More than 700 proton pump inhibitor lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the District Court of New Jersey. The cases in this MDL involve plaintiffs who developed kidney injuries while taking Protonix and other PPIs, including Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium. The first bellwether trial in the MDL is scheduled to begin on November 15, 2021.
Can I File a Protonix Injury Lawsuit?
Protonix is the second most prescribed proton pump inhibitor in the United States. Every year, the drug is prescribed to more than 25 million Americans. Since it’s also available over-the-counter, the number of heartburn patients who use Protonix is actually much higher.
It’s hard to turn on the TV or pass a billboard without seeing an advertisement for the heartburn medication. These advertisements show former heartburn sufferers living incredible, pain-free lives. Protonix is touted as an incredible solution for your health problems. Unfortunately, the ads gloss over information that’s incredibly important.
It’s hard not to trust these advertisements. When you suffer from heartburn or ulcers, all you want is something to make your pain go away. You relied on the ads, and maybe even the advice of your doctor, and started taking Protonix. Now you’re struggling with health issues you would have never imagined. Why? All because Pfizer didn’t disclose the serious complications associated with its medication.
Pfizer can be held legally responsible for your injuries. You may have the right to file a Protonix injury lawsuit if you:
- Suffered from heartburn, ulcers, or other stomach acid related injuries
- Were prescribed or purchased Protonix, and
- Developed kidney injuries or other severe health issues while taking the medication.
Only an experienced attorney can tell you if you have a legitimate proton pump inhibitor lawsuit. Contact Rosen Injury Lawyers to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your rights.
What is Protonix?
Protonix is a widely popular proton pump inhibitor medication. It can be used to treat several health issues, including:
- Heartburn
- Ulcers
- Acid reflux, and
- Peptic ulcer disease.
However, Protonix is primarily prescribed for the short-term treatment Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Protonix is also used in patients who are healing from erosive esophagitis.
Protonix, like other PPIs, can also be used in conjunction with other medications to eliminate H. Pylori and dangerous bacteria in the stomach.
How Does Protonix Work?
Protonix is a delayed-release proton pump inhibitor. PPIs are prescribed to treat conditions related to the production and secretion of excess stomach acid. When you take Protonix, the medication prevents the stomach from producing gastric acid. Blocking stomach acid gives the body time to heal from acid-related injuries.
Why Does Protonix Cause Health Issues?
Protonix prevents the stomach from producing gastric acid. Gastric acid plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being. Acid regulates bacteria in the gut and has a significant impact on several bodily functions. When taken for extended periods of time, the suppression of gastric acid can lead to severe health issues.
Protonix Risks and Complications
Protonix, like other PPIs, is linked to a host of adverse health issues. Complications and side effects associated with Protonix include:
- Osteoporosis and bone fracture
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Seizures
- Gastrointestinal tumors
- Kidney injuries
- End-Stage Renal Disease
- Liver damage
- C-Diff infections
- Heart attack
- Stroke, and
- Death.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual side effects or health issues while taking Protonix. Early medical intervention can limit the harm caused by taking a proton pump inhibitor.
Long-Term Protonix Use Linked to Kidney Disease, Stomach Cancer, Death
Protonix is intended to be a short-term treatment for health conditions caused by excess stomach acid. However, many PPI users take these medications for extended periods of time. Why? Pfizer and other drug companies haven’t made it clear that long-term use can be incredibly dangerous.
Over the past few years, research has revealed that using Protonix for more than a few weeks can contribute to several adverse health events.
Protonix Linked to Acute Kidney Damage and Chronic Kidney Disease
If you take Protonix you may be at risk of developing severe kidney injuries. In 2015, researchers determined that Protonix users, when compared to non-PPI patients, are:
- 3 times more likely to develop Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN), and
- 2.5 times more likely to develop Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
Studies have also revealed a link between Protonix use and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Taking Protonix for extended periods of time or more than once a day can increase the risk of CDK by as much as 50 percent.
Stomach Cancer More Prevalent in Protonix Patients
Protonix and other proton pump inhibitors aren’t the only way to treat heartburn and other stomach acid related conditions. However, PPIs are certainly the most popular. This may change after a 2017 study revealed that taking Protonix doubles your chances of developing stomach cancer. The risk of cancer is much less in patients who opt for alternative heartburn treatments.
Protonix Increases Risk of Death
Taking a PPI, as opposed to H2-blockers or other heartburn treatments, can increase the risk of premature death by as much as 50 percent.
Get Help With Your Protonix Injury Lawsuit
You didn’t know that a simple heartburn medication could do serious damage to your health. Why? Pfizer didn’t warn you about the risks associated with taking Protonix. Now you’re forced to deal with an injury that could affect you for the rest of your life.
You don’t have to take on this challenge and suffer alone. You may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit against Pfizer to recover compensation. Contact our compassionate legal team to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer any questions you have.