Zegerid is an over-the-counter antacid medication. Unfortunately, it has been linked to severe kidney inflammation, known as “interstitial nephritis.” Without prompt treatment, it can cause long-term kidney problems or kidney failure.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Zegerid 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.
Overview
Zegerid decreases stomach acid with a combination of omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Zegerid and Interstitial Nephritis
Evidence linking Zegerid and nephritis has been growing for decades, with the first case reports published in the 1990s. At least 17 reports were published by 2001, and the average case occurred within three months.
FDA Updates Nephritis Warnings
It was not until December 2014 that the FDA updated the label on Zegrid to include acute interstitial nephritis. The agency blamed it on a hypersensitivity reaction and said nephritis can occur at any time during treatment.
PPIs Linked to 3X Risk of Nephritis
In April 2015, Canadian researchers published a study in which older adults who started taking PPIs were three-time more likely to develop nephritis. The study analyzed data on 290,000 adults in Ontario who were 66 years or older.
What is Nephritis?
Nephritis causes inflammation in the kidneys. Zegerid is associated with acute interstitial nephritis, which is sudden inflammation of interstitial tissue in the kidneys. It is sometimes called “tubuo-interstitial” nephritis because it causes swelling in tissues between tubules, which are tiny structures that clean the blood.
Warning Signs of Nephritis
- Blood in urine
- Less urine than normal
- Fever
- Weight-gain due to fluid retention
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rash
- Confusion
- Kidney enlargement
- Swelling in the body
- Coma
Complications of Nephritis
The kidneys are remarkable organs that can recover from moderate injuries. However, researchers who study nephritis warn that “permanent impairment of renal function is rather common in the disease.”
The longer it goes untreated, the higher the risk of complications like chronic renal disease, high blood pressure, pulmonary edema, and kidney failure. Nephritis is responsible for about 15% of all hospitalizations for kidney failure.
What Causes Nephritis?
Nephritis is almost always caused by allergic reactions to medications. There are over 100 medications associated with nephritis — including aspirin, acetaminophen, and Zegerid. Patients will need to stop taking any medication that might be causing kidney problems to recover.
Do I have a Zegerid Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Zegerid 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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