More research has linked popular stomach acid medications to an increased risk of developing deadly kidney problems. A study published on April 14 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology comes on the heels of another study linking these drugs to acute interstitial nephritis as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Using data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers found that patients who took proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) had a 96 percent increased risk of developing kidney failure and a 28 percent increased risk of CKD compared to patients who took histamine H2 receptor blockers instead.
Deadly Kidney-Related PPI Side Effects
PPIs are a widely used class of drugs with brand names such as Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid and Protonix. Two population-based analyses published in JAMA Internal Medicine in January 2016 also associated the drugs with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease.
An estimated 15 million Americans take prescription PPI drugs, but they can also be purchased over-the-counter, meaning the total number of users is likely much higher. These drugs, which reduce the production of stomach acid, are typically taken to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart burn, peptic or stomach ulcers, and damage to the lower esophagus caused by acid reflux.
Chronic kidney disease involves the gradual loss of kidney function. The condition can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal unless a patient undergoes dialysis or a kidney transplant. Patients might have made a different decision about using these medications had they known about these PPI side effects, but the news has come too late for some.
Learn More about Filing a Prilosec, Prevacid or Nexium Lawsuit
Contact our firm for assistance if you took a PPI drug and are suffering from severe kidney disease. We can investigate your situation and answer any legal questions you have.
