Proton Pump Inhibitor Lawsuit Lawyer
Heartburn and acid reflux can be painful and cause extreme discomfort. The arrival of proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, seemed like the long-awaited solution that sufferers of acid reflux disease had been needing, without any apparent side-effects. However, as is often the case, PPIs may be too good to be true. After decades on the market, the negative complications of using these drugs are revealing themselves in the form of kidney disease and failure.
Popular PPIs include Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium, which first were prescription-only and then became available over-the-counter. Prilosec was the first released in 1988, and doctors have been suggesting the use of these medications for heartburn and acid reflux ever since. Many people have taken PPIs every day for many years, and now recent studies and events are showing that this long-term use of PPIs can damage the kidneys and lead to organ failure. The American Society of Nephrology released a study in 2016, showing a 95% increased risk of kidney failure amongst long-term users of PPIs.
Signs and Risks for Kidney Disease
If you have been a long-time user of PPIs, you need to be aware of the higher risk of damage to your kidneys. Some of the signs of kidney disease include:
- High blood pressure
- Fluid in the lungs
- Abnormal electrolyte levels
- Edema
- Urination problems
- Fatigue and nausea
- Heartbeat abnormalities
Kidney disease can lead to higher risks for other health issues, as well as lead to kidney failure. This may mean undergoing dialysis or other kidney treatments, up to and including kidney transplant surgery.
For those who are having kidney problems and used PPIs, there could be a link between the two. If you are concerned that the use of PPIs caused your kidney disease or failure, contact our team at Moriarty Injury Lawyer today. We can discuss the possibility of pursuing a lawsuit for compensation to help cover your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses for your kidney problems caused by using proton pump inhibitors.