People who routinely use anti-heartburn drugs like Prilosec have a higher risk of nephritis and chronic renal disease, according to recent studies. Both of these serious side effects can lead to 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 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.
Prilosec and Kidney Failure
Prilosec contains omeprazole, an antacid in the proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) class. It has been linked to increased rates of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and acute interstitial nephritis. No one knows why PPIs are associated with kidney problems, but there are several theories. PPIs can cause low magnesium levels, and a lack of this important mineral could damage the kidneys. Patients who suffer repeated bouts of acute kidney inflammation (nephritis) due to proton pump inhibitors can also develop kidney failure.
FDA Updates Warnings
In December 2015, the FDA updated warnings about nephritis from Prilosec. It causes sudden kidney inflammation and swelling due to an allergic reaction. About half of victims develop symptoms of kidney failure, and 1-3% of all cases of kidney failure are caused by nephritis.
Prilosec Linked to 96% Increased Risk of Kidney Failure
April 2016 — Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has published a study investigating kidney failure risks associated with PPIs and non-PPI heartburn drugs in the H2-blocker class. After looking at data on nearly 200,000 veterans in St. Louis, PPIs were associated with a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
The researchers found that 15% of PPI users were diagnosed with kidney disease after five years, compared to 11% on H2-blockers. About 0.2% of all participants in the study developed kidney failure, but is was almost twice as common among PPI users. Patients on PPIs for 1-2 years were also 3X more likely to develop kidney failure than patients who used PPIs for less than a month.
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.”
Symptoms & Complications
Kidney disease and nephritis are reversible if they are diagnosed early. Delayed diagnosis and treatment significantly increases the risk of kidney failure. When the kidneys stop cleaning the blood, making urine, and performing other basic functions, problems can occur in many parts of the body, including:
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Loss of appetite and weight-loss
- Changes in urine output (more or less)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anemia (low blood count)
- Persistent itching or rash
- Muscle cramps
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Abdominal or back pain
- Weak bones
Studies Linking PPIs and Kidney Disease
Prilosec and other PPIs have also been linked to an increased risk of kidney disease in two large studies. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found a 20-50% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) based on data from 10,500 people. Another study presented in October 2015 by Dr. Pradeep Arora found that people who used PPIs were 50% more likely to develop kidney disease than people who did not use PPIs. The study was based on data from 24,000 people and results were replicated in a larger analysis.
Diagnosis of Kidney Failure
When the kidneys stop working properly, a blood test will show increasing levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and decreasing levels of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Kidney disease can also be diagnosed with urine tests, biopsy (tissue sample), ultrasound, or CT scan.
Treatment of Kidney Failure
People who develop kidney failure on Prilosec will probably need to switch to a non-PPI antacid and take medications to lower blood pressure. When the kidneys stop working, the only treatments are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
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 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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