Prilosec has been associated with hundreds of cases of acute interstitial nephritis in the last few decades, but warnings were not added to the label until recently. The longer nephritis goes untreated, the higher the risk of kidney failure.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Prilosec induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with acute 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.
Prilosec Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Prilosec is the brand-name of omeprazole, a medication that decreases the amount of acid made by the stomach. In December 2014, the label was updated to include stronger warnings about acute interstitial nephritis. The FDA warned that it can occur at any time during treatment.
Hundreds of Cases Reported Worldwide
In fact, evidence linking Prilosec and nephritis has been growing since the 1990s. By October 2004, AstraZeneca said it was aware of at least 200 cases worldwide. Since then, many more cases have been reported and studies have found higher rates of many kidney diseases.
Warning Signs of Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis is a sudden allergic reaction in the kidneys. It causes severe swelling and decreases kidney function. The first warning signs may appear within 3-5 days, but it usually takes a few weeks before patients are sick enough to go to the hospital. By that time, the kidneys may be permanently damaged.
Symptoms of Nephritis
- Kidney swelling
- Pain
- Urine is bloody or cloudy
- Urinating frequently or infrequently
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Fluid retention or weight-gain
- Swelling in the body
- Confusion
Studies Linking PPIs and Kidney Disease
Prilosec is available over-the-counter, which is why many people assume it is safe. Unfortunately, a number of recent studies have found significantly higher rates of kidney disease:
- In one study from Canada, older adults who used PPIs were 3-times more likely to develop nephritis than non-users.
- In another study, people who used PPIs twice a day were 50% more likely to be diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Treatment
Patients must be hospitalized to receive treatment for nephritis. They will typically receive intravenous (IV) anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids) and fluids. They may also need long-term dialysis to clean the blood using a machine. It is common for patients to have permanent scarring (fibrosis) and decreased kidney function. In rare cases, the disease causes kidney failure.
Do I have a Prilosec Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Prilosec induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with acute 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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