PPI Lawsuits for Kidney Disease
Last Updated on June 1, 2023
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- June 1, 2023 – Investigation Closed
- The attorneys we work with are no longer handling these types of claims, so the investigation is now closed. If you are still interested in pursuing legal recourse, we would encourage you to speak with an attorney. We outline some of the resources available when it comes to finding an attorney here.
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At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Patients who used proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and developed kidney problems.
- What Are PPIs?
- PPIs are most commonly used to treat ulcers and acid reflux. Brand names include Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, Prilosec, Dexilant, Aciphex, Kapidex and Zegerid. PPIs are available both over the counter and by prescription.
- What’s Going On?
- Lawsuits are being filed alleging the manufacturers of these drugs failed to properly warn patients of the risk of kidney disease and are seeking compensation for medical bills and other damages.
The manufacturers of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are being sued by patients who were diagnosed with certain types of kidney problems.
The suits claim that the makers of these acid reflux drugs failed to properly warn patients about the risk of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). AIN causes sudden kidney inflammation and can significantly damage the organ over time.
What Do These Lawsuits Say About PPIs?
The lawsuits claim that PPIs are defectively designed, dangerous to human health and lack proper warnings about the risk of kidney problems.
According to the lawsuits, the manufacturers knew – or should have known – that irreversible and life-threating kidney damage is associated with the use of their products yet failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions to doctors and patients. Research published as early as 1992 links the use of PPIs to kidney problems. It wasn’t until 2014, however, that the manufacturers changed the labeling of their products to reflect the risk of a specific problem known as acute interstitial nephritis (AIN).
Even with this warning, the suits say, patients and healthcare providers still lack the information necessary to determine whether to start or continue a drug regimen “with the potential for such dire consequences.”
The warnings make no mention the risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease that can develop as a result of AIN and were never applied to the OTC versions of the drugs.
The lawsuits further allege that the design of PPIs is more dangerous than consumers would reasonably expect and that safer alternatives are available.
Acute Interstitial Nephritis
It may take time for symptoms of AIN to manifest and even when they do, the disease can be difficult to diagnose. This is because early symptoms of the condition are rather vague and include problems such as fatigue, nausea and weakness.
Over time, AIN can cause significant damage and, if left untreated, can lead to:
- Chronic kidney disease
- End-stage renal disease
- Kidney failure
- Death
Patients with untreated AIN may need to undergo permanent dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.
What Brands of PPIs Are Being Named in the Lawsuits?
The lawsuits have named the following PPIs:
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are also investigating claims against the makers of Kapidex, Aciphex and Zegerid.
How Could a Lawsuit Help?
A lawsuit could help patients recover money for:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished enjoyment of life
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
In cases of death, the family may be eligible to collect money for funeral expenses, loss of expected earnings and loss of companionship.
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