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.

What Is Prilosec?

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.

Prilosec Risks & Side Effects

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:

• Pain in joints or muscles
• Headaches
• Intestinal disruption
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Anxiety

More serious adverse events may include:

• Heart attack
• Liver failure
• Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels)
• Osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Liver toxicity
• Cardiac issues

What Are Some Common PPI Medications?

The PPI group of medications includes nine drugs, including the following:

• Prevacid
• Prilosec
• Nexium
• Protonix
• Aciphex
• Zegerid
• Dexilent
• Kapidex

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. 

FDA Prilosec Injury Warnings

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:

• Bone Fractures: A 2006 study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that long-term Prilosec use increased the risk of hip fractures, particularly in the elderly. In 2010, the FDA echoed a prior warning, and issued a new warning to consumers, stating that Prilosec may cause an increased risk in bone fractures.
• Dependency: In 2009, a study showed that Prilosec use may lead to a dependency on the medication due to a “rebound” effect of stomach acid if a patient stops taking the medication. The study also had concerns regarding “withdrawal” from the drug.
• Blood Issues: In 2011, the FDA issued another warning, this time regarding the long-term risk of Prilosec causing low magnesium levels in the blood. This in turn may cause neurological, muscular, and cardiac effects.
  

PPIs and Chronic Kidney Disease

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:

• Swelling
• Fluid in lungs
• Arrhythmia
• Hypertension
• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Inability to urinate
• Fatigue

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.

Are There Any Alternatives for Treating Heartburn Symptoms?

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.