PPI Injury Legal Help Center

Proton Pump Inhibitors work by blocking acid release into the stomach. They are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which may occur in up to 60 percent of the adult population each year. They are also used to treat peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and a number of other stomach conditions such as “heartburn”.

Drugs like Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid were already linked to short-term kidney problems, but newer research shows a link between PPIs and chronic, long-term kidney disease. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that people who use proton pump inhibitors have a 20 to 50 percent higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease than people who do not use PPIs. Study results also found that more frequent use of PPIs can increase the risk of serious kidney injury; twice-daily use resulted in a 46 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease, whereas once daily use resulted in a 15 percent increased risk.

Serious Kidney Injuries that have been associated with PPI heartburn medications include:

Chronic kidney disease, also sometimes called chronic renal failure is caused by repeated damage to the kidneys resulting in an inability to filter metabolic products from the blood. Over time, the acute kidney problems associated with PPI use, such as acute interstitial nephritis, can cause enough long term damage for patients to develop chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, patients may not have any symptoms until a lot of damage, that often can’t be repaired, has happened.
Over a period of time symptoms may include:

• Fluid retention
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Fluid in the lungs
• Heart failure

Millions of Americans use these popular heartburn drugs daily without knowing they can lead to serious kidney injuries. In response to recent studies showing the potential for PPIs to cause chronic kidney problems and even kidney failure, our team of dangerous drug experts began an investigation into whether the drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and doctors of serious kidney side effects. Our experienced drug injury lawyers firmly believe that the manufacturers of Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid have encouraged long term, regular use through aggressive advertising and to date have not provided adequate warnings about the potential health risks.

At Arentz Law Group we believe that when profits are put before patient safety, big pharma must be held accountable. We understand that the physical and financial toll of kidney disease caused by PPIs does not just affect the person with the illness, but also their family and loved ones. Arentz Law Group is now offering free, no obligation, legal consultations for people who have suffered serious kidney injuries from Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid products. If you have developed kidney problems after taking PPIs, please contact our firm for more information or to find out if you may be entitled to financial compensation.