Zegerid is an anti-heartburn drug in the PPI class that is linked to higher rates of kidney problems, kidney disease, nephritis, stomach cancer, and other side effects.
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 a severe side effect, 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.
Zegerid and Stomach Cancer
In November 2017, a study published in the journal Gut found a doubled (2X) higher risk of stomach cancer for people who were on long-term treatment with heartburn medications in the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class, which includes popular antacids like Zegerid.
Zegerid Lawsuits Centralized in MDL
August 2017 — Judges have centralized 161 lawsuits involving kidney injuries from Zegerid and other PPI heartburn drugs into Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2798) under Judge Claire C. Cecchi in the District of New Jersey — In RE: Proton-Pump Inhibitor Products Liability Litigation (No. II). Drug-makers are accused of failing to warn that Zegerid cause kidney injuries, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), acute interstitial nephritis, end-stage kidney disease, or kidney failure.
Study: Heartburn Drugs Increase Risk of Death
July 2017 — Researchers have linked the use of PPI heartburn drugs with up to a 50% increased risk of death compared to H2-blocker heartburn drugs, according to a study published in the journal BMJ Open. The researchers estimated 1 excess death per 500 people who take a PPI. Click here to read more.
Heartburn Drugs Causing Massive Health Problems
Study Links Zegerid and Kidney Failure
April 2016 — The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has published a study linking long-term use of PPI antacids like Zegerid with a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Click here to read more.
What is Zegerid?
Zegerid contains a combination of omeprazole (Prilosec) and sodium bicarbonate, which prevent heartburn by neutralizing acid and reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Case Reports of Kidney Disease
The first case reports linking omeprazole and nephritis were published in the 1990s. By 2001, it was linked to 17 case reports of nephritis. Researchers warned that nephritis appeared an average of 3 months after starting 20-40 mg daily doses of Zegerid. The most common symptoms include fatigue, fever, weight-loss, and nausea.
FDA Adds Nephritis Warnings to Zegerid Label
In November 2014, the FDA updated the label on all heartburn drugs in the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class to include stronger warnings about nephritis. According to the FDA, nephritis can occur at any time during treatment with Zegerid. Without treatment, nephritis can lead to kidney failure.
Kidney Problems Linked to Zegerid
- Acute interstitial nephritis
- Kidney failure
- Kidney inflammation (nephritis)
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Renal disease
What is Nephritis?
Zegerid has been linked to acute interstitial nephritis, a type of sudden kidney inflammation that causes swelling in the spaces between tubules inside the kidneys. It is generally attributed to an allergic reaction to medications in the blood.
Study Finds 50% Increased Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease
In February 2016, researchers at Johns Hopkins published a study linking the use of PPIs with a 15-46% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) compared to people who used non-PPI heartburn drugs. People with kidney disease may have nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, swelling due to fluid retention, persistent itching, and high blood pressure.
Study Finds Higher Rates of Nephritis and Kidney Injury
Over 15 million Americans are on long-term treatment with PPIs. In April 2015, a study published in the journal of the Canadian Medical Association found a 2.5-fold increased risk of acute kidney injury and a tripled increased risk of nephritis associated with PPIs. The conclusions of the study were based on data from nearly 300,000 adults in Canada over 66 years old.
FDA Warnings for Other Side Effects
Long-term treatment with Zegerid and other PPIs has been linked to a wide range of severe side effects. The FDA has issued warnings about the following risks:
- Bone fractures
- Hip, wrist, and spinal fractures
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Chronic diarrhea from Clostridium difficile infections
- Low magnesium
- Muscle spasms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
Zegerid Class Action
Our lawyers are currently filing individual lawsuits rather than a Zegerid class action. The problem with class actions is that they are not designed to maximize compensation for individuals with severe injuries. We are focusing on helping people who were injured seek compensation for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more.
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 a severe side effect, 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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