Studies suggest a common type of heartburn medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are linked to increased risks of chronic kidney disease. This class of drugs includes popular brands such as Prilosec (Omeprazole), Nexium and Prevacid. Damages may be available for affected consumers.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published results of a study showing that people who take Prilosec and other Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medications may have a 20 to 50 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The study indicates that the longer the medication is taken, the greater the risk.
Researchers found the risk of end-stage kidney failure is 96 percent higher for those taking PPIs, particularly those using the drugs for many months or years. Some experts are calling the increase of kidney issues in the American public an “epidemic.”
An estimated 15 million Americans were prescribed PPIs in 2013 at a cost of more than $10 billion. However, the number of those at risk of health problems is likely to be much higher because most of these drugs, including Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid, are now available over-the-counter.
Lawsuits filed against PPI manufacturers such as AstraZeneca claim the companies have failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks their product presents. The Prilosec lawsuit claims allege companies knowingly hid dangers of their medications from the public. The uncovered kidney damage risks could affect thousands of Americans.
AstraZeneca has faced legal issues in the past. In fact, the company settled a $20 million class action lawsuit related to deceptive marketing of Nexium. The lawsuit claimed the drug company “defrauded” consumers with dishonest advertising. Prilosec Lawsuit Settlements are now being considered.
If you or a loved one were injured due to Prilosec or other similar drugs, contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333. We can set up a free, no-cost consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.
Those who have been injured and are experiencing medical conditions due to Prilosec or omeprazole may be entitled to significant damages for their losses.
Damages in a Prilosec class action lawsuit may cover:
Please complete the form below for a FREE consultation.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Damages may depend on several factors, such as the extent of the injuries or medical conditions that result, as well as the type of product defect involved. The overall damages award or settlement may also depend on the skill and experience of the lawyer handling the case.
Thus, it is important to select an attorney who has proven results delivering favorable outcomes for their clients.
Prilosec, produced by AstraZeneca, was the first FDA approved Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), marketed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
It is estimated that the company’s sale proceeds from Prilosec topped $6 billion by the year 2000. Up to 14 percent of adults in the U.S. have been prescribed Prilosec or other PPI medications, and many more may have taken over-the-counter medicines as well.
In 2001, when Prilosec’s patent expired, AstraZeneca introduced a similar PPI drug called Nexium. Shortly after, in 2003, Prilosec became available over-the-counter. Most of the popular PPI medications, including Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid, are now available over-the-counter.
Several safety concerns have been identified over the years. In 2015, one study indicated that PPI drugs may increase the heart attack risk by up to 21 percent, even if the patients had no history of heart disease. Side effects of PPI drugs can include:
More serious adverse events may include:
The PPI group of medications includes nine drugs, including the following:
If you have taken any of these medications and are experiencing kidney-related problems, seek medical attention immediately and contact a lawyer. An attorney can help advise you on your next steps and options.
Concerns about the safety of Prilosec emerged as early as 2002. Recent results of studies are even more troubling as they have shown the risk in the consumer population may worsen over time. Such studies include:
Health risks associated with Prilosec and other PPIs may be compounded through long-term use.
If you have been using Prilosec consistently and are experiencing symptoms, contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 for legal advice and representation. We have a consistent record of obtaining significant damage awards on behalf of our clients.
PPI s may be linked to chronic kidney disease. Also known as chronic renal failure, this occurs when long-term damage is done to the kidneys, reducing the ability to filter toxins and metabolic products from the bloodstream. The kidneys become damaged and unable to filter blood as they should.
Chronic kidney disease can lead to total kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Chronic kidney failure is progressive and will get worse over time.
Chronic Kidney Disease may present with symptoms such as:
These symptoms in themselves can be serious, and may also progress into more serious medical conditions, such as organ failure. Contact a lawyer if you developed chronic kidney disease after taking Prilosec.
Patients should take steps to ease heartburn-related symptoms through lifestyle changes. Losing weight, avoiding high-fat foods and avoiding eating late at night can be very helpful.
There are safer ways to control unpleasant symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. The most logical place to start is to utilize less-severe methods like diet changes and weight loss.
There are also effective, less expensive, safer drugs available, such as antacids and H2 blockers which are not correlated to high rates of kidney damage.
Consumers should be wary of this new information, and contact a heartburn drug injury lawyer following kidney issues. Given the widespread use of these drugs, even a small increased risk of medical issues could have a considerable impact on public health.
Prilosec injuries can be permanent, life-changing, and long-term. If you have been injured by Prilosec or any other PPI product, you deserve compensation for being affected by someone else’s negligence.
A Prilosec lawsuit can help you recover what is rightfully yours under pharmaceutical injury laws.
Why Hire The Lyon Firm
At the Lyon Firm, we have decades of experience representing injured clients against large corporations and manufacturers. We provide the utmost attention to detail with each case, and focus our attention on our clients at each step of the way.
Reach out to us at (513) 381-2333 for assistance with a Prilosec lawsuit. We are on hand to guide you through the process from start to finish.
By taking the initiative and filing drug injury lawsuits, plaintiffs can receive proper compensation and hold a corporation accountable for their negligent actions. Consumer safety depends largely on making sure companies operate within the law and within ethical boundaries.
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you notice any symptoms if you have been taking Prilosec. As with any lawsuit involving pharmaceuticals such as Zantac or Ranitidine, strict filing deadlines may apply. If you miss these deadlines and other requirements, you may lose your chance to obtain a damages award.
Contact a lawyer promptly so your claim can be processed in a timely manner.
There is really no set time period or average time for how long a Prilosec lawsuit will take. Some class action lawsuits may take months to resolve, while others may take a year or longer.
The important thing is that you reach out to an attorney as soon as you think you have a claim or legal issue involved. Your attorney can help ensure your claim is addressed and all legal requirements are met for the lawsuit.
While each lawsuit is different, if you have been injured by Prilosec or any other PPI medication, you should gather and prepare:
We understand that you may be injured or unwell and not able to gather all of these items. Don’t worry – it’s our job as attorneys to collect these and prepare them, but if you have access to them, it will help your case tremendously.
Prilosec lawsuits can be complex and may involve many different laws and legal requirements. A Prilosec attorney can support your case by providing legal services like:
Without an attorney on your side, you may be risking leaving some of your award amount on the table. However, a lawyer can ensure you are fully compensated under the law. Contact us at (513) 381-2333 to start your case today.
CINCINNATI HYDE PARK OFFICE
2754 Erie AveCLEVELAND OFFICE
6105 Parkland BoulevardST. LOUIS OFFICE
408 N Euclid