Prilosec Kidney Problem Lawyers

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., is now reviewing claims that the heartburn and acid reflux drug, Prilosec, caused patients to suffer severe and life-threatening kidney problems.

Why Are Prilosec Lawsuits Being Filed?

Consumers from across the country have filed claims against AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Prilosec as well as other heartburn medications, including over-the-counter Prilosec OTC. The company obtained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Prilosec in 1989.

The plaintiffs allege that the company knew or should have known that Prilosec could increase the risk of kidney inflammation, chronic kidney disease and kidney failure – specifically among long-term users – but failed to properly warn doctors and patients about this serious side effect.

Without a proper warning, patients may have continued to use Prilosec over the course of many years without any knowledge that they were exposing themselves to the risk of severe kidney problems, the plaintiffs claim.

Prilosec litigation is in the early stages. Claims may be pursued as individual or class action lawsuits. Currently, efforts are underway to consolidate all individual lawsuits filed in federal courts in the Middle District of Louisiana.

What Is Prilosec?

Prilosec (omeprazole) belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The drug decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach, or gastric acid.

For many years, doctors have prescribed Prilosec for the treatment of:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, or “acid reflux”)
  • Peptic or stomach ulcers
  • Damage to the esophagus caused by excessive gastric acid.

PPIs such as Prilosec are among the most widely used medications in the country. They account for an estimated 100 million prescriptions and $14 billion in sales each year, according to the Stanford School of Medicine.

What Are Prilosec Side Effects?

Despite their widespread use, Prilosec and other PPIs have been associated with many side effects, including:

  • Strokes
  • Heart attacks
  • Fractures from falls
  • Low magnesium levels in one’s blood.

In December 2014, the FDA required a new warning to be added to Prilosec’s label, indicating that the drug may increase the risk of suffering kidney inflammation, or acute interstitial nephritis (AIN).

However, this warning may have failed to go far enough to adequately warn patients and doctors about kidney problems linked to the drug.

For instance, in 2016, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors could increase one’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) by as much as 20 to 50 percent.

Another study, which was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, analyzed patients in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) databases. The researchers found that PPI users were 30 percent more likely to develop CKD within five years after they started using the medication, while their risk of kidney failure doubled.

The study noted that many in the medical community believe that the drugs are overprescribed and may be used by patients longer than is necessary.

What Compensation Can You Pursue in a Prilosec Lawsuit?

It is important to meet with an experienced drug injury lawyer without delay in order to receive a comprehensive review of your case, including your eligibility to pursue compensation and the amount you may be entitled to recover.

The amount of compensation available in a Prilosec will depend on many factors. The types of damages that could be sought on your behalf would include:

  • All past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and diminished future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving, eligible family members.

Our Prilosec Injury Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered kidney problems related to use of Prilosec or other proton pump inhibitors, contact Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., as soon as you are ready to take action.

We can provide a free consultation. If we work together on your case, we will charge no fees unless and until you obtain a financial recovery for the harm you have suffered.

For more than 30 years, our firm has held the manufacturers and sellers of dangerous drugs accountable for the harm they have caused. Our record includes more than $400 million recovered on behalf of our clients.

We can put our skill, experience and work for you today. Call or reach us online to get started on your case.

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