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Dexilant Kidney Failure Lawsuit

Dexilant Kidney Failure Lawsuit

A number of serious renal diseases have been linked to Dexilant, including nephritis and chronic kidney disease. Without treatment, these side effects can lead to kidney failure.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dexilant induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with kidney failure, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Overview

Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a popular antacid medication that prevents heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dexilant and other proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the amount of acid made by glands lining the stomach.

Dexilant and Kidney Failure

Recent studies have found that people who routinely use PPIs are more likely to develop nephritis. The FDA updated warnings for Dexilant in December 2014. It has been linked to a number of renal diseases that can lead to kidney failure, such as:

What is the problem?

Experts are not sure why PPIs are associated with kidney problems. However, the FDA has issued warnings about low magnesium levels, which could harm the kidneys. Repeated bouts of inflammation due to nephritis could also cause kidney damage.

One study published in April 2015 in CMAJ Open found that PPIs tripled the risk of nephritis and more than doubled the risk of acute kidney injury. Another study published in February 2016 found a 20-50% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) associated with PPIs.

Dexilant Linked to 96% Increased Risk of Kidney Failure

In April 2016, a study published by the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that people who used PPI antacid medications like Dexilant were 96% more likely to be diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure and 26% more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.

The conclusions of the study were based on data from nearly 200,000 veterans in St. Louis, including 173,321 on PPIs and 20,270 on non-PPI heartburn drugs like Pepcid or Zantac (also known as H2-blockers).

Chronic kidney disease occurred in 15% of PPI users after five years, compared to 11% of H2-blocker users. Only 0.2% of patients had kidney failure, but it occurred nearly twice as often in PPI users. The use of PPIs for 1-2 years was also associated with a tripled increased risk of kidney failure compared to people who only used PPIs for a month or less.

According to the author of the study, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly:

“I think people see these medications at the drug store and assume they’re completely safe. But there’s growing evidence they’re not as safe as we’ve thought. [Patients should] use PPIs only when it is medically necessary, and should limit duration of exposure to the minimum necessary to treat the underlying medical condition.”

What is Kidney Failure?

The end stage of renal disease is kidney failure. When the kidneys have less than 15% of their normal function, toxins and excess fluids accumulate and poison the body.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite and weight-loss
  • Persistent itching
  • Change in urine output
  • Swelling due to fluid retention
  • Shortness of breath
  • Insomnia
  • Confusion, anxiety, restlessness
  • Pain in the back just below the ribs
  • Seizures
  • Coma (unconsciousness)
  • Death

Diagnosis of Kidney Failure

The kidneys can heal from minor injuries, but delayed diagnosis and treatment increase the risk of permanent kidney damage. Blood tests may show electrolyte imbalances, anemia, and high levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen. The blood-filtration rate (eGFR) may also be abnormally low.

Treatment for Kidney Failure

The treatment depends on the cause of kidney failure. Patients on Dexilant may need to switch to a non-PPI antacid medication. They may also need to take medications to help eliminate excess fluid and control blood pressure. When the kidneys stop working, the only treatments are hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or a kidney transplant.

Do I have a Dexilant Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dexilant induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with kidney failure, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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