Vimovo is an anti-arthritis drug that also contains an antacid. Unfortunately, both ingredients have been associated with kidney problems, including kidney failure.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Vimovo 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
Vimovo is an antacid and anti-arthritis medication that decreases inflammation and stomach acid with a combination of esomeprazole (Nexium) and naproxen. This combination helps prevent stomach ulcers, a common side effect of naproxen.
Vimovo Linked to 96% Increased Risk of Kidney Failure
A study published in April 2016 by the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology associated the use of PPIs like Vimovo with a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease compared to people on non-PPI heartburn drugs in the H2-blocker class (such as Pepcid or Zantac). After 5 years of follow-up on nearly 200,000 people, researchers concluded:
- 15% of PPI users were diagnosed with kidney disease vs. 11% of H2-receptor users
- 0.2% of study participants developed kidney failure, but it was twice as common in PPI users
- 3X increased risk of kidney failure was seen in people who used PPIs for 1-2 years vs. 1 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.”
Vimovo Kidney Failure Warnings
The label (PDF) on Vimovo warns that side effects include kidney problems and kidney failure. According to the Prescribing Information: “Naproxen is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function.”
Drug-makers also warn that the risk of kidney problems increases for elderly patients, especially those with decreased kidney function. Therefore, it may be useful to monitor kidney function and carefully choose the starting dose. The risk of kidney toxicity may be greater for older patients.
What is the problem?
Vimovo contains esomeprazole, a Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI). All medications in this class have been linked with severe kidney side effects that can lead to kidney failure, including:
- Interstitial nephritis
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- Renal impairment
FDA Adds Nephritis to Vimovo Label
In December 2014, the FDA added new warnings about acute interstitial nephritis to the label on Vimovo and other PPIs. This side effect involves sudden inflammation and swelling in the kidneys due to a hypersensitivity reaction.
Studies Link PPIs and Kidney Risks
- CMAJ Open (April 2015): Study involving 290,000 people in Canada associated PPIs with a tripled increased risk of nephritis and a 2.4-fold increased risk of acute kidney injury.
- JAMA Internal Medicine (February 2016): Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) occurred in 15-46% of people who took PPIs once-daily or twice-daily. Conclusions were based on data from nearly 10,500 people with artery disease.
What is Kidney Failure?
The kidneys are primarily responsible for cleaning the blood and removing toxins and excess fluids in urine. Most people have two kidneys and they are good at compensating for minor damage. Kidney failure occurs when function drops below 15% of normal. This can cause health problems in many parts of the body. Unfortunately, the only treatments for end-stage kidney failure are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
- Reduced urine output
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet from fluid retention
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive drowsiness or fatigue
- Nausea
- Persistent itching
- Confusion
- Chest pain or pressure
- Seizures
- Coma
Do I have a Vimovo Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Vimovo 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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