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Prilosec and Interstitial Nephritis

Prilosec and Interstitial Nephritis

Prilosec is a popular antacid drug associated with acute interstitial nephritis, a sudden kidney inflammation that can potentially cause 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 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 the problem?

Prilosec is a popular anti-heartburn drug that can be purchased over-the-counter. Because it is widely available, many people falsely assume it is safe. The problem is that recent studies suggest that Prilosec may significantly increase the risk of kidney side effects, including nephritis.

FDA Updates Warnings

The label on Prilosec was updated to include nephritis in December 2014. The FDA warned that nephritis can occur at any time during treatment with Prilosec.

What is Acute Interstitial Nephritis?

Acute interstitial nephritis is an inflammatory reaction in the kidneys. It is almost always caused by an allergic reaction to medications in the bloodstream. Nephritis causes swelling in the spaces between tubules, which are tiny structures that help the kidneys reabsorb water. It decreases kidney function and can lead to kidney failure.

Symptoms of Nephritis

  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever
  • Increased or decreased urine output
  • Mental status changes (drowsiness, coma, confusion)
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Rash
  • Swelling of the body
  • Weight gain from retaining fluid

Studies Linking Prilosec and Nephritis

Prilosec is in the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class of anti-heartburn medications. In April 2015, CMAJ Open published a study linking long-term use of PPIs with a tripled increased risk of nephritis. The conclusions were based on data from 290,000 adults in Canada.

Permanent Kidney Problems are Common

In another study, researchers saw two phases of recovery — rapid improvement for 6-8 weeks, and then slow but steady improvement for one year. The researchers warned that “permanent impairment of renal function is rather common in the disease.” The longer nephritis goes undiagnosed and untreated, the higher the risk of kidney failure.

Diagnosis of Nephritis

The only conclusive way to diagnose nephritis is with a biopsy. In mild cases of nephritis, patients can usually avoid a biopsy by discontinuing medications that might be causing the disease. There are over 100 medications known to cause nephritis. If it is diagnosed within a few weeks, most patients recover near-normal kidney function.

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 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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