Study Raises Concerns About Health Risks of Popular Heartburn Drugs
According to the findings of a recent study, the popular class of heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may inhibit vascular cells in a way that causes them to age prematurely, which may explain the harmful side effects that have been linked to Nexium, Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors. If you took a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid or Protonix, and you have since suffered kidney damage, dementia, bone fractures, or another major side effect, you may have grounds to file a PPI injury lawsuit against the drug manufacturing company. Consult a reputable product liability lawyer today to explore your possible compensation options.
What are Proton Pump Inhibitors?
Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid belong to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, which are designed to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux by reducing the amount of gastric acid produced in the stomach. Because Nexium and other PPI drugs are believed to carry a low risk of side effects, many patients remain on the medications for years, with no attempt to reduce or discontinue use. However, a number of studies published in recent years have identified a potential link between proton pump inhibitors and devastating side effects like kidney damage, chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney failure, dementia, bone fractures and cardiovascular problems.
Adverse Effects of PPI Drugs
In a study published online by the American Heart Association’s Circulation Research journal in May, researchers from the Houston Methodist Research Institute looked at the long-term effects of proton pump inhibitors like Nexium and Prilosec, which are used by millions of Americans experiencing persistent heartburn and acid reflux. According to the study findings, the active ingredient in Nexium, esomeprazole, adversely affected human cells in a number of ways, impairing endothelial function, affecting the inner lining of blood cells, and prematurely aging the cells. “In the presence of consistent epidemiological evidence of harm, […] and with the knowledge that PPIs are being used by millions of people for indications and durations that were never tested or approved, it is time for the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies to re-visit the specificity and the safety of these agents,” the researchers wrote.
This isn’t the first study to examine the adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors on human health. Earlier this year, research published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that users of Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and other PPI drugs faced a 50% increased risk of chronic kidney disease, compared to non-users. In another study published in May, researchers from the Department of Veterans Affairs concluded that patients taking the heartburn drugs were 96% more likely to suffer kidney failure, and 28% more likely to suffer chronic kidney disease after five years of use.
Lawsuits Filed Over Heartburn Drug Injuries
With this information in mind, a growing number of patients who have experienced adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors are filing product liability lawsuits against the makers of Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid and other PPIs, accusing the companies of negligence and failure to warn. Plaintiffs involved in the proton pump inhibitor litigation allege that the drug manufacturing companies put their desire for profits before patient safety, and say that if warnings had been provided about the risk of kidney failure and other side effects of the heartburn drugs, they never would have taken the medications in the first place.
An Experienced PPI Injury Lawyer Can Help
As product liability lawyers across the country continue to review and file PPI injury complaints, it is estimated that thousands of cases could be filed in the coming months. If you believe you have been adversely affected by side effects of Nexium, Prilosec, or another proton pump inhibitor, contact an experienced product liability lawyer today to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, past and future medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, which you can pursue by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the drug manufacturing company.
Additional Information & Resources for PPI Patients
American Heart Association’s Circulation Research – Long-term effect of PPIs
Monroe Law Group – This law firm that accepts Nexium cases.
For & Associates Nationwide – This law firm accepts PPI cases.