Nexium and Prilosec Claims
PPI drugs (proton-pump inhibitors) are a group of drugs used to treat acid reflux heartburn, indigestion, and/or gastritis. Common brand names in this class of drugs include Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid. These medications are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. Millions of consumers regularly take these medications since they are easily available over the counter without a prescription. Whether over the counter or prescribed (prescriptions can involve higher doses), they are usually recommended for short-term use. Newer studies now show a link between the drugs and chronic kidney disease when the drugs are taken on a regular basis long term.
PPI Drugs and Warnings
Stomach acid plays an important role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, and also kills bacteria and microbes. According to experts, regular long-term use PPI drugs like Nexium, Prilosec, and/or Prevacid may disrupt these processes and make users more susceptible to infections and nutritional deficits. Experts also indicate that the majority of people with heartburn and reflux should not be on these drugs long-term.
Over the past five years, the federal Food and Drug Administration has issued numerous warnings about proton pump inhibitors being linked to C. diff bacterial infections, increased fracture risks and low magnesium. PPIs can also interact with other medications, and the F.D.A. has warned heart attack and stroke patients that omeprazole (Prilosec) weakens the effectiveness of the anticlotting agent clopidogrel (Plavix). However, a recent study suggests that regular users of Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid have an increased risk of developing serious chronic kidney disease. Risks of serious kidney problems have not been disclosed by the drug makers.
Alarming Medical Study Links PPI Drugs with Chronic Kidney Disease
In an independent medical study published in the Journal of American Medical Association in January 2016, a Johns Hopkins team compiled years of data among thousands of adult users in North Carolina, Mississippi, Minnesota, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Those adults who took prescription PPI drugs were 20-50% more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than nonusers said lead author Dr. Morgan Grams, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Additionally, the risk of chronic kidney disease rose 15% among those taking the drug once daily and rose to 46% in those taking the drug twice daily compared to nonusers.
Tampa Nexium & Prilosec Claims
The Tampa attorneys at Alley, Clark & Greiwe are investigating kidney injury claims related to Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, renal or kidney failure, or other kidney related issues, while taking a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid, please call us at 813-222-0977 for a free initial consultation.
Consumer Information
Click here to read CBS news story on PPI drugs from January 2016
Click here to read JAMA study from January 2016
