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Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Gastric Cancer, Severe Kidney Disease and Bone Fractures


Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of drugs mainly used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. PPIs have been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures, heart attacks, cardiac birth defects (only in Prilosec), and more recently chronic kidney disease (CKD). The risk of proton pump inhibitor side effects has been found to increase with long-term use. The FDA has announced label changes that will reflect the increased risk of a proton pump inhibitor fracture, particularly PPI hip fracture. No action by the agency has yet been taken involving Proton Pump Inhibitor kidney damage or PPI renal damage.

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Gastroenterologists are already cautious in prescribing PPIs as they've been linked to other health problems, such as an increased risk of intestinal infections such as Clostridium difficile infection, and pneumonia, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly of the Clinical Epidemiology Center at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System, told CBS News.
 

Proton Pump Inhibitor Information

heartburn proton pump inhibitorProton pump inhibitors are used to treat heartburn. They are also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, and inflammation of the esophagus.

Prescription PPI medications in the proton pump inhibitor class include: (Generic name in parentheses) Proton pump inhibitors sold over-the-counter include:
  • Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)
  • Zegerid OTC (omeprazole)
  • Prevacid 24HR (iansoprazole).

Proton Pump Inhibitor Kidney Damage

Researchers have found that people who take the popular PPI drugs are more likely to develop kidney failure and chronic kidney disease, particularly if the drugs are taken over a long time. Because PPIs are generally viewed as safe, they may be over-prescribed and continued for long periods without being necessary, Reuters Health reported.

Because some PPI medications are sold over-the-counter, they are potentially more at risk of being overused than prescribed PPI medications.

Chronic kidney disease is increasing in the US, with more than 20 million Americans now suffering with it, according to the American Society of Nephrology.
 

PPI Kidney Disease Studies

January 2016: A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found a 20-50 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with Nexium and other antacid drugs. The risk of a decline in kidney function was 32 percent higher for people taking PPIs and the risk of new cases of chronic kidney disease was 28 percent higher, according to Reuters Health. The JAMA study involved more than 20,000 people from national VA databases who recently took PPIs. This group was compared to almost the same amount of people who were taking H2 blockers. The study team concluded that people taking PPIs were at a much higher risk of new kidney problems than those people taking H2 blockers.

The JAMA study indicates that patients should use PPIs only when medically necessary. Dr. Morgan E. Grams, a kidney specialist at Johns Hopkins and another author of the JAMA study told CBS News that patients who require a long course of PPIs should routinely monitor their kidney function.

2015: Two studies suggested a link between PPIs and CKD. Dr. Pradeep Arora, a nephrologist and associate professor at the SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Science in Buffalo, NY., said "It is very reasonable to assume that PPIs themselves can cause chronic kidney disease." Researchers also found that people taking a PPI had nearly twice the risk of dying prematurely.

The second study was conducted by researchers at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in Australia, and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. They followed more than 10,000 adults with normal kidney function from 1996 to 2011 and found PPI users were up to 50 percent more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than non-PPI users.

2009: A study conducted in Copenhagen and published in Gastroenterology reported that PPI use may produce a "rebound"acid effect, likening the condition to "dependency"on the medications. Researchers found that patients have almost impossible difficulties in stopping PPIs because the medications eventually cause the same problems they are supposed to treat. This phenomenon, called "rebound acid hypersecretion," can occur after taking prescription-strength PPI medication for just two months. Researchers concluded that this rebound effect can continue for up to three months after discontinuing the PPI.
 

PPI Kidney Disease Lawsuits

Proton Pump Inhibitor kidney failure lawsuits have been filed against AstraZeneca—the Nexium and Prilosec manufacturer—and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, which makes Prevacid. Nexium patients claim that AstraZeneca failed to warn physicians and patients of the increased risks of kidney damage and renal failure. Further, if AstraZeneca had properly warned of the risks, patients would have chosen a different medication and/or would have had regular kidney function monitoring.

In 2017, a lawsuit files against AstraZeneca and Proctor & Gamble, alleging that use of Nexium and Prilosec caused a woman to develop chronic kidney disease. The lawsuit, filed by Wanda Stafford, claims the companies failed to warn consumers about the risk of side effects linked to the medications. The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages.
 

Proton Pump Inhibitor Bone Fractures

Proton Pump Inhibitor Side EffectsLong-term and/or high dose use of proton pump inhibitors has been linked to an increased risk of fractures, including hip, wrist and spine fractures. A study examining 145,000 people in England found patients who used the medications for more than a year had a 44 percent higher risk of hip fracture than people who did not use the medications. The largest risk was seen in people who took high doses of the drugs for more than a year. In that group, the risk of hip fractures was twice as great as patients who did not use the medications.

An editorial accompanying studies in the May issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine noted that proton pump inhibitors have US sales of $13.9 billion annually. The same editorial argues that proton pump inhibitors have been over-prescribed for inappropriate uses.
 

Proton Pump Inhibitor Warning

According to the FDA news release (05/25/10), the FDA's review of several studies, "found those at greatest risk for these fractures received high doses of proton pump inhibitors or used them for one year or more." FDA notes the majority of people evaluated were 50 years of age or older and this age group showed an increased risk of fracture. Although the risk was observed in people using prescription proton pump inhibitors, the label on over-the-counter medications is also being changed as a precaution.

Over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors are recommended only for 14 days of continuous use.

Approximately 15 million people in the US alone are taking either over-the-counter or prescription PPI medications, according to CBS News. In 2013, the PPI Nexium was the second-best selling drug in the pharmaceutical industry, generating over $6.1 billion in sales worldwide for AstraZeneca, as reported by Medscape.
 

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered kidney disease or bone fractures as a result of using any of the above mentioned products, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a Drug and Medical Device lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.

 


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PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR LAWSUITS


PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR LEGAL ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

Recent Studies Show Other Side Effects, including certain Cancers, with Long-term PPI Use
Recent Studies Show Other Side Effects, including certain Cancers, with Long-term PPI Use
June 3, 2021
For more than a decade, studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with serious side effects, including kidney failure and other injuries. Researchers now add to “other” injuries biliary track cancer, gallbladder cancer and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and might be carcinogenic. READ MORE

PPI Wrongful Death Lawsuit
PPI Wrongful Death Lawsuit
April 16, 2021
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., Procter & Gamble and other manufacturers of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs. Plaintiff Daisy Perez claims her husband, a New Mexico man, died of metastatic gastric cancer after taking Nexium and Prilosec. READ MORE

Proton Pump Inhibitor Maker Facing Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Proton Pump Inhibitor Maker Facing Wrongful Death Lawsuit
February 18, 2021
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) manufacturers and distributors AstraZeneca and Merck are facing a wrongful death lawsuit alleging the side effects of Nexium caused stomach cancer, which lead to death. READ MORE

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
Is there a heart attack lawsuit against omeprazole?

Posted by

on
I take Omeprazole and have taken it for years for GERD.ive had to get Vitamin B12 injections and pills because I wasn't absorbing nutrients. My latest bone density scan showed I'm headed into osteopenia-which can lead to bone fractures, especially the hip.

Posted by

on
I'm hooked on Lansoprazole and cannot get off it, when i try to stop or cut down even a little bit i get severe gall bladder pains, this is a problem i never had until i went on PPI's and tried stopping them, so now i am a slave to these things and they have interfered with my gall bladder function, also suspected bone density issues as i've lost 2inches in height in 2-3yrs for no apparent reason but my back is curving, suspect it's related to the PPI and bone density. I wish i was never put on PPI's i used to take antacids for indigestion which worked great but my doctor insisted i try these PPI's which did not work to begin with so i stopped taking them but the doctor insisted i must continue with them which i did and wow do i regret it, i've been on 30mg a day for maybe 9yrs, if i only i knew what i know about them now when i was prescribed them, they cause so many problems and create more way serious issues than i started off with. Also have bad kidney pains, ongoing for 4-5yrs now with no diagnosis of whats wrong despite many tests. How can i ever get off these things, i'm sure taking these will reduce my lifespan :o(

Posted by

on
08/24/2014 Findings of Endoscopy and Biopsy: Esophageal mucosal change suspicious for short segment: Barrett's Esophagus present in lower 3rd of esophagus. Biopsy of duodenum to rule out celiac disease (Iron Deficiency Anemia).
Diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia 2011; Diagnosed with Iron Deficiency Anemia 07/23/2014; Diagnosed 09/18/2013 with B12 Deficiency Anemia; On 12/11/2014 diagnosed with GERD; On 02/05/2016 diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux and on 12/05/2016 diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. After referred to Allergist/Immunologist and tested for food allergies shown no allergies except of penicillin since birth. Complete six Elimination Diet: No Dairy, eggs, soy, tofu, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts. A OVO-Vegetarian (Lactose intolerant since 2005 due to surgical removal of entire large intestine and I only eat egg whites.) Since age 16, I have been a Pescatarian aka Pescetarian vegetarian. No allergies towards six elimination diet foods eliminated for twelve weeks. Prescribed by Gastrologist following medications: Budesonide Inhalation Suspension 0.5 mg/2ml twice daily; Flovent HFA 110 mcg Inhaler not to use like an Asthma patient Inhale puff by mouth 2 times daily beginning 02/05/2016; Fluticasona Prop 50 mg Spray twice in each nostril 2x's daily (11/10/2015); Omeprazole 20 mg 2 capsules 2x's daily. Allergist agreed with gastrologist to use all of the above. In September, 2016 started getting severe abdominal pain, weakness/fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, metal/metallic taste in mouth, more trouble sleeping and concentrating/confusion, swelling ankles, numbness in toes especially right foot, pain lower back, not urinating normal. With GERD developed severe hoarseness, coughing, sore throat, chest pain, acid reflux, regurgitating, followed from dry heaving because I wasn't eating due to acid reflux, sour taste, metal metallic taste. Sick to stomach. Had Abdominal Ultrasound (Normal) 09/2016 for abdominal pain. Saw female Gyno did vaginal ultrasound and pap test came back normal. Continue to experience abdominal pain. On 03/31/2017: Saw primary care doctor's PA-C ran blood work: ALT and AST high levels did HEP Blood work but came back Negative. Creatinine levels, RDW, MPV, Platelet Volume were all High; High Cholesterol (Put me on Lipitor) but I don't eat prepackaged foods and no junk food whatsoever not even a candy bar because I have chronic migraines of 15 or more a month (No wine, cheese, chocolate, or MSG). My , Triglycerides and RDW/MPV were High and Anion Gap was High. HDL, Chloride, Creatinine all Low Levels. LDL Calc was uninterpretable. TSH was High and T4 was Low. E Glom Filt Rate was Low. My GFR was 88-128. And my BUN level was extremely high. Primary Care PA-C said lay off Tynenol (I cannot take OTC Pain medications must be prescribed only Tramadol or a Morphine Drip). For Migraines I administer myself Imitrex Injections when severe. On 04/12/2017 had Renal/Kidney/Liver Sonograms. Fasted for 12 hours no food, no beverages and my kidney bladder showed full. I don't urinate as much. Last bloodwork on 04/07/2017 showed Creatinine High 1.4 mg/dl. Chloride 97 mol/l Low. Anion Gap 22 mmol/l High; EGR 45.8 to 43. 5 Low. Hemoglobin and Glucose showed no diabetes and low blood pressure. Findings: Kidney disease push fluids doctor said and take Lipitor once a day. On 05/04/2017 messaged Primary PA-C and told her I have been in bed 24/7 only leaving for bloodwork and ultrasounds/sonograms. No appetite, nausea, vomiting, weakness/fatigue/too weak to stand up and walk downstairs even too weak to shower, facial puffiness, more than troublesome sleep issues even more severe than being having chronic insomnia, not urinating much, trouble concentrating/confusion, chest pain, acid reflux worsened since stop taking omeprazole, now taking OTC Tums. When my daughter visits for weekends: She forces me to eat something daily and drink lots of fluids but I vomit. No appetite. I just lay in bed 24/7 lost job due to kidney disease, chronic migraines (no sleep, not eating, causes migraines); chronic sinusitis. Bloodwork shows Stage 3 Kidney Disease: I have all the signs and symptoms but all my primary care PA-C is doing is bloodwork for both Kidney's and Liver as well as Abdominal Ultrasounds and then Renal and Abdominal Sonograms. Instructions stop taking Omeprazole (Which I did over a month or two ago), stop pain medications (Which I don't have unless prescribed check with pharmacy), no OTC pain medications like Tynenol can't take OTC NSAIDs make me sick to stomach, no alcohol (Liquor store products makes me sick to my stomach: Don't drink hard liquor or wine). Been drinking cases of Gatorade to push fluids. I hate water. I have been complaining of pain since September, 2016 and learned about unknown side effects and supposed medically community were not aware of developing CKD, Kidney Failure, Heart Failure, etc. Now I recently learned through my own investigation which is currently under legal review is Lipitor used to treat high cholesterol. My doctor or pharmacist mentioned side effects could lead also to Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Heart Issues. I have an underactive thyroid since age 16. Don't know where to go from here? I have to work to pay my bills. Been off work since January, 2017 no money for food, medications (I must take my thyroid med every day and have a supply of Migraine injections for emergencies and cannot afford) no money for food for myself and my dependent daughter. No job we will be homeless, lose my car, etc. Am I eligible to be represented to sue the manufacturer for all of the above? Can your law firm represent me as well as other victims?

Posted by

on
My husband just died from stage 4 kidney disease.He was taking
Prilosec and then on omeprazole because his insurance wouldn't
He also broke his hip and had surgery on it.

Posted by

on
I have been on Nexium 40 mgs, for over 10 years . Over the years I have had a number of kidney stone operations to remove stones. I seem to get kidney stones every 2 years or so, my kidney Doctor is now checking on me every 6 to 12 months. When I saw him in Nov 2016, he found I had more stones. 12 small stones on the left and 2 on the right and a bit of scarring. 1 year ago I had stones removed from my right kidney. Do you think Nexium causes kidney stones? And to day my Doctor has change my medication to Somac EC 40mg as he said it is much safer.

Posted by

on
I am a 58 year old male an I have been taking about all the PPLs that they are calming causes renal fail an I have also come down with a bone disorder Osteoporosis an my bone density is only 20 so now I am prone to bone fractures an it has destroyed my life.

Posted by

on
I have taken Protonics for many years. Twice a day. I received a report from several sources, as example, Harvard News Letter, that it can cause dementia and other serious problems. Several of the leading medical newsletters I subscribe to state that the drug has now been proven to cause dementia. I have been recently had a Brain MRI with the results showing Dementia on both sides. Drs say it is not a problem as it takes many years to worsen since I am 83. I filed a request on this site a while back but have heard from no Attorney that is interested.

Posted by

on
I have been taking Protonix and it's generic version Pantoprazole for 14 years and not once has any of my doctors said I should stop taking it. I was recently diagnosed with declining Kidney function. I was never aware that Protonix could damage my kidneys and really don't trust my doctor at this time. I have started gathering information on what I can do myself to try to reverse this problem, such as being on a low protein diet.

Posted by

on
I took prilosec for years and developed 8 kidney stones in 2 years. Have not taken it for a while and have not had any more stones.

Posted by

on
Proton pump Inhibitor (PPI) , mainly Nexium was used in my case was the root cause of developing kidney stone that was removed by surgery ( very painful experience when symptoms surfaced and through surgery and recovery) . PPI changes digestion system in many ways . PPI is affecting how body handles calcium . PPI directs body functions to start extracting calcium from bones making bones prone to fractions. PPI affects calcium processing in human body and directly affects kidneys and leads to creating sediments in kidneys. There is not enough studies that are focused on safety of our drugs .

Nexium(esomeprazole)
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
Prevacid (iansoprazole)
Prilosec (omeprazole)
Zegerid (omeprazole)
Protonix (pantroprazole)
Aciphex (rabeprazole)
Vimovo (naproxen and esomeprazole magnesium)
Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)
Zegerid OTC (omeprazole)
Prevacid 24HR (iansoprazole).

Posted by

on
I had taken Prevacid, protonix and nexium for several years prescribed by Drs.because I had a lot of trouble with stomach . In the meantime , I had one kidney to stop working and had 2 surgeries and then about 5 years later I was told I had cancer in the other kidney. After having seen 3 Drs for opinions, I was told the kidney would have to be removed and I had a complete nephrectomy .
I never recovered from any of this!! I have lost about 40 lbs. over a period of time and all muscle mass. I have pernicious anemia and have terrible bones according to results of density test ! If there is help, I could surely use it!! I have lost all .

Posted by

on
When I was taking Nexium or Prilosec I developed kidney stones for two year. The pain was excruciating, let me know if you can help me

Posted by

on
I have lost weight and continue to lose weight. I feel sick all the time, in my head and in my stomach. I read dreadful articles about the adverse effects of Protonix and was able to deduce this was causing my illness so that I could stop taking it. I wonder if I will ever be well again.

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