Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are a type of medication that is commonly used in the U.S. and around the world. This medication treats conditions related to stomach acid production or overproduction, which causes discomfort, pain, and health complications. Studies from several years ago indicate that over 1.3 million prescriptions of these medications were filled from 2003 to 2015. That number has likely increased in recent years.
Many of those individuals do not know that they are at risk for exposure to health risks, including the risk of kidney damage if they continue to take these medications. If you developed kidney disease or damage after taking these products, you may wish to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers who may have failed to warn you about the risks.
What Are Proton Pump Inhibitors?
PPIs are a very commonly used medication. They can be used for several things, according to the National Library of Medicine:
- Reduce symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD (in this condition, food and acid move back up to the esophagus, causing damage)
- Treat the symptoms and prevent acid reflux
- Treat stomach ulcers, called duodenal or gastric ulcers
- Treat damage resulting from acid reflux on the lower esophagus
These medications are available as over the counter medications anyone can purchase. Some are prescription strength and require a doctor to approve their use.
What Are the Names of PPIs?
There are numerous types of PPIs, some of the most common include:
- Prilosec, or omeprazole (sold as a prescription or over the counter)
- Nexium, esomeprazole, (sold as a prescription or over the counter)
- AcipHex, rabeprazole (prescription only)
- Protonix, pantoprazole (prescription only)
- Prevacid, Lansoprazole (sold as a prescription or over the counter)
- Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate, Zegerid (sold as a prescription or over the counter)
- Dexilant, dexlansoprazole (sold as a prescription only)
Each of these medications may be used to treat the above listed conditions. Many are interchangeable. However, they each have different ingredients and can have different side effects.
How Are These Medications Taken?
Most of the time, the medications are in tablet or capsule form. They are taken prior to consuming the first meal of the day (usually 30 minutes before). Some medications are prescribed for different uses and different variations.
Some conditions, such as in the case of a peptic ulcer, a doctor may prescribe these medications to be taken for a period of two weeks at various times. Some of these drugs may be used for 8 weeks at a time. Others are taken daily.
What Are the Known Side Effects of PPIs?
There are a number of recognized risks associated with PPIs. Though most are considered safe, there are some common risks. Some people experience:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Itching
- Constipation
- Long term risks may include infection risks
- The medications may not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
These medications may interfere with other medications a person is taking. That includes warfarin or clopidogrel (Plavix), as well as some anti-seizure medications.
If you used PPIs for a long period of time and suffered kidney damage or failure, Join the Many wants to help you. Let us discuss your case privately. There is no cost to you.
What Additional Risks Exist?
Over the last few years, a number of research studies have found that there are additional risks associated with the use of PPIs. Some of these the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted and required changes to packaging over. To be clear, no recalls for PPIs are in progress. Most people should not stop taking these medications without first speaking to their doctor.
The National Kidney Foundation offers some insight into these additional risks.
Increased chronic kidney disease risk
The agency reports that though it is not proven through studies and research just yet, there are many cases of PPI use resulting in chronic kidney disease. There are studies that indicate that an increased risk of kidney disease is likely in people who have normal kidney function prior to starting PPIs and now suffer significantly. Not everyone that takes PPIs will have chronic kidney disease, but there is a risk that you should be alerted about as a result.
Kidney disease can progress into kidney failure. This may mean that a person’s kidneys are no longer effective at removing toxins from the body, which can cause a significant loss of quality of life. It may lead to the need for dialysis, a costly treatment that is very hard on the body. Some people may also suffer from early death or the need for a kidney transplant, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Note that the FDA does not require PPI manufacturers to require this warning. That means many people taking these medications may not have any idea they are at risk for this complication.
Acute interstitial nephritis
Another condition reported by the National Kidney Foundation is the development of acute interstitial nephritis. This is a condition that leads to swelling of the kidney, often due to an allergic reaction or medication use. The use of PPIs has been shown in studies to cause this type of risk in some people. This swelling can lead to significant damage, and if it is not treated, it can cause long-term kidney damage. In some situations where this does not improve, a person may suffer from kidney failure.
Increased heart attack risk
The National Kidney Foundation also notes that PPIs create an increased risk of heart attacks, though it is not fully understood why this occurs. This is most common in people who have used PPIs for a long amount of time, usually months or even years. This could increase their risk of a heart attack. Studies have linked the use of PPIs to various cardiovascular conditions. Also important is that if a person is taking blood thinners after having a heart attack and then use PPIs, the risk of another heart attack is much higher.
Bone fracture risk
PPIs have been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures. This is one area that the FDA has reported on and noted that all PPI manufacturers must place labels on their products, indicating this is a risk. Evidence suggests that a person using PPIs on a consistent basis may be at a higher risk for the development of fractures to the hip, wrist, or spine. The most likely people at risk for this condition are those who are over the age of 50 or had other reasons for an increased risk of fracture. Those who had been taking these medications for a prolonged period of time, around a year, were more likely to suffer these consequences.
Magnesium deficiencies
Yet another noted concern with PPIs relates to the lowering of magnesium in those who have used PPIs. The FDA reports that there is a noted level of drop in magnesium, including in people who did not have any concerns with these levels prior to using PPIs. More so, the FDA alerted that those who suffered this type of exposure to PPIs and suffered lower magnesium levels were also more likely not to see improvement when using supplements to help compensate. Instead, to get treatment, they had to come off the PPIs.
There are numerous other risks associated with the continued use of PPIs. That includes an iron deficiency, an increased risk of early onset dementia, a higher risk of infections, and a higher risk of illness overall.
PPIs can lead to numerous health risks. If you suffered any of these health complications, Join the Many wants to help you find out if the manufacturers of these medications should pay for your losses.
Have PPIs Been Recalled?
As of now, there have been no FDA recalls for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), despite the growing number of proton pump inhibitor lawsuits. Individuals filing proton pump inhibitor lawsuits often raise concerns about various health issues, such as permanent kidney injuries and even claims related to erectile dysfunction.
While there is no specific recall related to PPIs, the FDA recommends vigilant monitoring for any changes in health conditions and remains alert to the risks associated with long-term use of these heartburn drugs.
Notably, ongoing lawsuits, including the Prilosec settlement and the Nexium class action lawsuit, underscore the legal repercussions and concerns surrounding the use of PPIs like Prilosec OTC. It’s crucial for individuals to stay informed about the developments in the proton pump inhibitor lawsuit landscape and to be aware of potential risks associated with these medications.
Who Should File a Lawsuit Against the Manufacturers?
If you suffered any type of kidney-related failure or complication as a result of taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of this medication. This is especially relevant in the context of the proton pump inhibitor mdl, where individuals who developed chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or other kidney injuries are seeking justice.
Thousands of people have come forward with such complaints, and many of them have suffered numerous complications, including:
- Onset of kidney disease
- Kidney failure
- Surgical procedures
- Short and long term use of dialysis
- Organ transplantation needs
- Early death resulting from kidney failure
These issues may be associated with proton pump inhibitors like Nexium and Prilosec, leading to prilosec kidney damage lawsuits and nexium lawsuit cases. If you are unsure whether your case is related to PPIs, it’s crucial to be aware of the FDA drug safety communication regarding proton pump inhibitors and kidney injury. The consequences of such complications could include financial losses from medical bills, an inability to work, loss of quality of life, mobility challenges, and, tragically, death in some cases. Additionally, individuals may have pain and suffering claims as part of their legal actions against the manufacturers.
If you experienced any of these types of losses or are uncertain about the connection to PPIs, consider joining others in pursuing legal action. We can make it easy for you to file a lawsuit and claim the compensation you deserve for issues related to acid reflux disease and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.
What Is the Status of Lawsuits for PPIs?
The status of lawsuits related to Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) has seen significant developments, particularly in cases involving kidney injuries and other losses. The sheer volume of claims against PPI manufacturers led to the establishment of a multi-district litigation panel in 2017, specifically for cases related to kidney damage. This panel, known as MDL 2789, is currently overseen by U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in the Federal Court in New Jersey. As of the latest available information, over 11,000 individuals have filed claims against PPI manufacturers, alleging various losses.
The purpose of the multidistrict litigation (MDL) is to streamline the resolution process for these claims. Initial bellwether cases, representing the first hearings of those who filed lawsuits against the companies, are underway. These cases serve as indicators of potential outcomes for the broader MDL and beyond. While results from these cases are pending, they are anticipated to provide insights into the overall direction of the litigation.
If you have experienced losses due to the use of PPIs, now is a crucial time to take action. By joining the MDL, you can actively participate in the claims process and seek protection from the financial losses you may have incurred. Join the Many can assist you in navigating this process.
What Type of Compensation Will You Receive?
It is hard to know how much compensation will be paid out as a result of the PPI lawsuits, as these cases are in their early start, in some cases. However, these companies have paid billions of dollars of losses over the years for false advertising claims and others.
Join the Many can provide you with more information about your next steps and give you insight into what you can expect in your specific situation. We will connect you with an attorney who is already fighting and winning cases like yours. You’ll pay no legal fees unless you win compensation.