Disclaimer: Note that the firm is no longer accepting cases for the anti-psychotic medication Abilify or Tylenol autism cases. Thank you.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors – PPIs

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medicines that work by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of the stomach. Many use PPIs to prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), to heal inflammation of the esophagus, and to prevent complications until the esophagus is healed. However, the warning label says that PPIs should only be used short term. In fact, long-term use can produce a variety of dangerous side effects.

Types of PPIs

There are many different kinds of PPIs on the market. The most popular brands are:

Study Links PPIs to Chronic Kidney Disease

PpisRoughly, 15 million Americans use PPIs every year. Out of these, 20-50% are at a higher risk of chronic kidney disease compared with nonusers. The study published by JAMA Internal Medicine warned not to take PPIs at all or to use only for the shortest possible duration. Those that increased their dosage also increased their risk of kidney disease. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood effectively. This can lead to end-stage renal failure, which is the need for life-long dialysis treatment or even a kidney transplant.

PPIs Linked to Acute Interstitial Nephritis

In 1992, it was first noted that PPIs cause Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN). Each new study described the 5 times greater risk users have in developing this deadly infection. AIN is a drug-induced bacterial infection of the kidneys. Nearly all cases of AIN are directly caused by taking PPIs. The treatment is either drug removal, dialysis, or a kidney transplant. However, PPIs have a high rebound rate. This means that when the drug is stopped most people have such a high dependency on it that they must continue to use it just to feel better. The cycle continues until patients end up on dialysis or death.

It was not until December 2014 that the FDA issued a new warning about the association between Prevacid and kidney issues. This warning outlined the potential risk of developing acute interstitial nephritis, the sudden inflammation of the kidneys. The actual side effects of PPIs are much worse. The FDA neglected to warn consumers that PPI users have a 50% risk of developing acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and even kidney failure.

LiverPPIs & Chronic Liver Disease

Around 10% of Americans use PPIs, which brings seven times higher risk of developing chronic liver disease. The researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that mice with gastric acid suppression developed alterations in their gut. Specifically, this bacteria named Enterococcus. These changes caused an environment favorable to liver inflammation and liver injury. It also increased the progression of liver disease in the mice used during the experiment.

Senior author of the study, Bernd Schnabl, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology at UC San Diego School of Medicine noted that the rise of chronic liver disease is related to more people using PPIs.  “We believe clinicians should consider withholding medications that suppress gastric acid unless there is a strong medical indication,” Schnabl said.

Chronic liver disease is the 12th leading cause of death worldwide and that number is rapidly increasing. PPIs, which include brand names such as Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid, are the most common doctor-prescribed medications in the world. They are also relatively inexpensive medications, costing around $7.  The longer the use the more costly it becomes. Americans spend around $11 billion each year on PPIs.

Long-term PPI Use Could Lead to Stomach Cancer

A new study in Gut shows a link between long-term use of PPIs and gastric cancer. Researchers found that the risk of stomach cancer was proportionate to how long and how often PPIs were taken. In fact, the risk increased up to eight times.  This risk increases for people infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Studies link this bacteria to stomach cancer. Eliminating bacteria does lower the risk of stomach cancer. However, even after a doctor treats the bacteria, many people still develop stomach cancer.

PPIs & Esophageal Cancer

On February 22, 2018, Cancer Epidemiology published a study led by Dr. Nele Brusselaers and his team at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. The study used data from four national registers in Sweden to identify almost 800,000 patients taking PPIs. They found that those using PPIs had a near double rate of developing esophageal cancer than those who did not. Unlike the other cancers mentioned, researchers found that even using PPIs for a short amount of time still caused esophageal cancer.

If PPIs Injured You

Stomach Pain

When manufacturers produce unsafe products that create pain and suffering, you deserve compensation. Although no amount of money will change the fact that you have suffered a serious injury as a result of manufacturer irresponsibility, compensation will help offset your current and future medical costs, as well as provide for the pain and suffering you have experienced. By filing, you may also help protect others from needless distress.

PPIs Lawsuit Update

Currently, the litigation is in New Jersey being heard by Judge Cecchi. There are over 250,000 cases in the MDL. The plaintiffs have conducted over 160 depositions. Also, multiple case management orders have been filed. There are 19 eligible bellwether cases. Discovery is from March – October 2020. The first case will be heard on November 15, 2021.

Contact Us

You may be eligible for compensation to ease the financial burdens associated with your injury. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.

Learn More

Dangers of Overprescribing PPIs

PPIs and Their Role in Esophageal Cancer

Nexium Linked to Stomach Cancer

Nexium Could Cause Bone Fracture in Infants

Nexium Trial Moves Forward

Researchers Link Nexium to Chronic Liver Disease

Nexium Carries 5 Times Greater Risk of Deadly Kidney Infection

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