The FDA warns that the antacid drug Prevacid increases the risk of acute interstitial nephritis, a sudden and severe type of kidney inflammation that can rapidly cause permanent renal impairment or kidney failure.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Prevacid induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with interstitial nephritis, 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.
What is Prevacid?
Prevacid is the brand-name of lansoprazole, an antacid medication in the Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class.
What’s the problem?
Prevacid is available in drugstores without a prescription, which is why many people think it is always safe. Unfortunately, a growing number of studies have found evidence that it significantly increases the risk of kidney problems, including:
- Acute interstitial nephritis
- Kidney inflammation
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Renal impairment
- Kidney failure
What is Acute Interstitial Nephritis?
Acute interstitial nephritis causes sudden inflammation and swelling of tissues in the spaces between tubules, which are tiny structures that clean the blood. About 50% of people with nephritis develop symptoms of kidney failure. Nephritis is also responsible for about 15% of all hospitalizations for acute kidney failure.
What Causes Acute Interstitial Nephritis?
The vast majority of cases are cause by allergic reactions to medications in the bloodstream, and over 100 medications may be responsible. All of these medications will need to be discontinued before the kidneys will recover.
FDA Updates Prevacid Warnings
The FDA updated the label on Prevacid to include acute interstitial nephritis in December 2014. The agency said it is a hypersensitivity reaction that can occur at any time.
Study Links Prevacid and Nephritis
In April 2015, researchers in Canada published a study linking the use of PPI antacids with a tripled increased risk of nephritis. The conclusions were based on data from 290,000 older adults in Ontario.
Symptoms of Nephritis
- Fever
- Rash
- Changes in urine output (too much or very little)
- Blood in urine
- Changes in mental status (confusion, coma, sleepiness, etc.)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swelling in any area of the body
- Weight-gain due to fluid retention
- Kidney enlargement
Permanent Renal Impairment is Common Complication
Patients who stop taking Prevacid soon after developing kidney problems can usually recover near-normal kidney function. However, researchers warn that “permanent impairment of renal function is rather common in the disease.” They observed a rapid recovery period of 6-8 weeks, followed by slower improvement for one year.
Do I have a Prevacid Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Prevacid induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with interstitial nephritis, 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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