Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a type of heartburn medication, with brand names like Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid, have been associated with long-term kidney damage. These drugs are used to treat heartburn and acid reflux by lowering the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Prilosec was the first of these PPIs introduced to the public back in 1988, other drugs quickly followed.
A large study released in the February 2016 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows an increased risk of development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by 20 to 50 percent in those who regularly took a PPI. It also indicated that the longer a PPI is taken, the greater the risk. CKD (or chronic renal disease) is the gradual loss of kidney function over time. As the disease progresses, waste can build up in your internal system creating medical complications including high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, and nerve damage. This disease can lead to complete kidney failure.
- Feeling more tired and having less energy,
- Trouble concentrating,
- Poor appetite,
- Trouble sleeping,
- Muscle cramping at night,
- Swollen feet and ankles,
- Puffiness around your eyes,
- Dry, itchy skin,
- The need to urinate more often, especially at night.
- Increased risk of heart attack.
- Increased risk of bone fracture.
- Increased risk of low magnesium levels or hypomagnesemia.
If you have used a heartburn medication and have suffered from kidney damage or heart problems, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
At McDivitt Law Firm, we continue our commitment to putting our clients first, and, as always, we welcome the opportunity to help you.
Please remember that you should not make any medical decisions without first consulting your doctor.