- Nexium, Prilosec, and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most prescribed drugs on the market today. While many patients find these medications to be highly effective against their heartburn symptoms and limit the damage done to their esophagus by acid indigestion, some are also experiencing other complications and say the drugs are to blame.
As of October 2017, there are hundreds of pending lawsuits against the manufacturers of these medications. The plaintiffs claim these drug companies failed to provide an adequate warning to patients and physicians about serious kidney complications possible while taking the medication. If you believe you suffered renal failure or another serious kidney-related complication because of Nexium, Prilosec, or another PPI, speak to a Nexium & Prilosec lawsuit lawyer to see if you are eligible to join ongoing multidistrict litigation.
The team at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can help you evaluate your situation and determine the best legal option for you and your family. Through settlement negotiations or in court, we will represent your best interests and fight for the full value of your claim. Call us today at 631-600-0000 to schedule your free case review.What Are the Most Serious Issues Patients Report with Nexium & Prilosec?
Nexium and Prilosec are two of the most popular proton pump inhibitors, available both over the counter and via prescription for larger dosages and long-term use. These medications treat heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reducing the stomach’s acid production. These drugs may also treat other conditions related to excess stomach acid, including ulcers, infections, or damage to the esophagus or stomach.
Many reports of side effects from this type of drug exist, and include issues with calcium loss such as fractures. Patients have also reported strokes, heart damage, and other cardiac events. Most of the current lawsuits, however, relate to patients developing kidney disease or suffering renal failure while taking the medication.
In some cases, this damage appears to be irreversible. Some suffered such severe damage they required dialysis, or even passed away from complications related to renal failure. While the damage patients suffered vary widely, many have significant damages that include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.Have Studies Linked PPI Use with Kidney Disease and Renal Failure?
Several studies bolstered the case against the drug manufacturers who market Nexium, Prilosec, and other proton pump inhibitors. These studies, all published in well-respected, peer-reviewed medical journals, all found a link between these drugs and kidney issues developed by the patients who used them.
Based on these studies, people who take PPIs regularly may face a risk of chronic kidney disease higher than the risk for those who do not use the medications.JAMA Internal Medicine
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine linked PPI use to chronic kidney disease in each group it looked at, including those who use the medication once a day and those who use it multiple times a day. Those who took the drug twice a day showed a higher risk of kidney-related problems than those who only took the medication once.
Journal of Nephrology
Population based studies from the Journal of Nephrology found an increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis and acute kidney injury in people who took PPI medications.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology published a study that included dramatic results and spurred many physicians and patients to reconsider PPI use. This research links the long-term use of Nexium, Prilosec, and other similar heartburn medication with a 96 percent increase in the risk for kidney failure and a 22 percent increase in the risk of chronic kidney disease.
What Is the Status of Nexium & Prilosec Lawsuits?
Hundreds of patients are pursuing claims against the pharmaceutical companies who make Nexium, Prilosec, and other PPI medications. These plaintiffs allege the drug companies acted in a negligent manner while producing and marketing these drugs. Their claims include:
- These PPIs are defective and cause unreasonable risks.
- The drug companies did not test the medication adequately.
- They failed to adequately warn of the risk of renal failure and kidney damage.
- The drug companies were aware of the danger, but failed to warn the public.
- They misrepresented the safety record of the drugs while marketing the medication.
As of October 2017, these lawsuits are pending in a federal court in New Jersey. The courts agreed to consolidate all federal cases into multidistrict litigation for the discovery process and pretrial proceedings. Once that process is complete, the courts will choose several cases to serve as bellwether trials to help test the arguments from both sides. The courts in the original jurisdictions can then use what they learned in these trials to decide the outcome of each case individually.
If you developed kidney-related complications while taking Nexium, Prilosec, or another PPI, you may be eligible to collect compensation based on the damages you suffered. We offer free case reviews to help you weigh your legal options, and will fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve if your PPI caused you to suffer chronic kidney disease or other renal side effects. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, so you owe us nothing unless we recover money for you.How Can I Reach a Nexium & Prilosec Lawsuit Lawyer About My Case?
The Nexium & Prilosec lawsuit attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. are waiting for your call. We can schedule a time to evaluate your situation, and pursue litigation on your behalf. Call our office today at 631-600-0000 to get started.