Chronic Kidney Disease Lawsuit Filed Over Nexium, Prilosec Long-Term Risks
Long-term use of the popular heartburn drugs Nexium and Prilosec allegedly caused a Kentucky woman to develop chronic kidney disease, according to a lawsuit filed against AstraZeneca and Proctor & Gamble.
The complaint (PDF) was filed by Wanda Stafford in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on January 9, alleging that the drug makers failed to warn consumers and the medical community that side effects of Nexium, Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease and other health problems.
Stafford indicates that she was prescribed both Nexium on several occasions between 2004 and 2009, and was prescribed Prilosec and Prilosec OTC on several occasions between 2009 and 2015. In 2009, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but it was not until recently that she became aware that use of the popular heartburn drugs for more than a decade may have caused her kidney issues.
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Learn More“Studies have shown the long term use of PPIs was independently associated with a 20% to 50% higher risk of CKD, after adjusting for several potential confounding variables, including demographics, socioeconomic status, clinical measurements, prevalent co-morbidities, and concomitant use of medications. In at least one study, the use of PPIs for any period of time, was shown to increase the risk of CKD by 10%,” the lawsuit states. “Currently, the Nexium, Prilosec and Prilosec OTC product labeling does not contain any warning regarding the increased risk of CKD.”
Nexium and Prilosec are two of the most widely used brand-name medications in the U.S. Both are part of a popular class of heartburn drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which also includes Prevacid, Protonix, Dexilant and others.
The complaint joins dozens of other Nexium lawsuits, Prilosec lawsuits, Protonix lawsuits, Prevacid lawsuits and Dexilant lawsuits brought by individuals nationwide in recent months, claiming that the drug makers withheld information about the risks associated with long-term use of the medications.
As heartburn drug injury lawyers continue to review and file cases, it is expected that thousands of similar chronic kidney disease lawsuits and other claims over side effects of PPI medications could be filed in the coming months.
Since Nexium and other PPI drugs lack any kidney disease warnings, they are widely believed to be safe by most consumers and doctors, and many individuals remain on the medications for years with little attempt to reduce use. However, a number of studies published in recent years have highlighted serious risks, including CKD, acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), acute kidney injury (AKI) and end-stage renal failure.
In an independent study published by the medical journal CMAJ Open in April 2015, researchers found that users of PPI medications were 3 times more likely to suffer acute interstitial nephritis, which involves inflammation of the kidney. In addition, the study found that users were 2.5 times more likely to develop acute kidney injury, which involves an abrupt loss of kidney function.
This research was followed by a study published last year in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine, which also found an increased risk of chronic kidney disease with the heartburn medications, indicating that users of Nexium, Prilosec and other PPI may be 50% more likely when compared to non-users.
In April 2016, researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs found that users of Nexium, Prilosec or other PPIs may be 96% more likely to develop renal failure and 28% more likely to develop chronic kidney disease after five years of use.
Stafford presents claims of strict products liability, negligence, breach of warranty, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. She seeks both punitive and compensatory damages.
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18 Comments
JamesFebruary 6, 2024 at 1:06 pm
So what can we Hietal Hernia suffers sub for the PPI s??
VJFebruary 5, 2017 at 1:34 am
Like you, have taken Prilosec, or some form, for years. At one point taking Zegerid 40mg(Prilosec 40 with bicarbonate) Rx strength, twice daily. Weaned to otc (20mg) twice a day. Had been reading about this over the last several months. My PCP told me to get off of it; but, to wean or you will rebound(increase/worsened symptoms). I have switched to Zantac(ranitidine)150mg 2x day. Also avoid acidic[Show More]Like you, have taken Prilosec, or some form, for years. At one point taking Zegerid 40mg(Prilosec 40 with bicarbonate) Rx strength, twice daily. Weaned to otc (20mg) twice a day. Had been reading about this over the last several months. My PCP told me to get off of it; but, to wean or you will rebound(increase/worsened symptoms). I have switched to Zantac(ranitidine)150mg 2x day. Also avoid acidic foods/drinks(I try). Have been avoiding tomatoes, limiting coffee(add a pinch of baking soda to decrease acid). My creatinine @ last check up(when I was advised to stop taking) was upper limits of normal; however, I am 67 & kidney function does decrease with age. Also, recently dx with osteoporosis. Go figure.
elizabethFebruary 4, 2017 at 4:11 pm
i was on Nexium for at least 15 years on a daily basis for GERD at the recommendation of my gastroenterologist. my uncle died of stomach cancer and my first cousin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer , so i had a family history. about 4 years ago i switched to Previcid because the Nexium was not relieving my symptoms. Last summer i had a heart attack and was beginning to hear about complaints o[Show More]i was on Nexium for at least 15 years on a daily basis for GERD at the recommendation of my gastroenterologist. my uncle died of stomach cancer and my first cousin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer , so i had a family history. about 4 years ago i switched to Previcid because the Nexium was not relieving my symptoms. Last summer i had a heart attack and was beginning to hear about complaints of long term PPI use. Had weeks of severe stomach pain while weaning myself off. now take Pepcid once a day with moderate relief.
KenFebruary 2, 2017 at 5:03 am
I also have been on nexium 40mg a day for years, switched to esomeprazole(generic). Tried to cut back to 20mg a day. But heartburn and gurd is very bad. Dr.said to start taking 1 pill in am & 1 pill in pm. I don't want to.
MaryFebruary 1, 2017 at 10:50 pm
I was given Prilosec for several years and diagnosed by the same doctor who gave it to me with kidney failure. I was later diagnosed by two other doctors with kidney failure. By checking my scrips at my pharmacy we can tell exactly how long I took it. I took myself off it it when I read that it might not be good for you. No doctor ever told me the reason I had kidney failure.
AnitaFebruary 1, 2017 at 4:49 pm
Dave, Please email me your cure/recipe for acid reflux using apple cider vinegar. Many thanks for your help. Anitag30@hotmail.com
SusanFebruary 1, 2017 at 12:35 am
I too now have stage 3 kidney disease and osteoporosis. I took different reflux medicine for years. Now just take Tums for gerd. I was not told any dangers for long term use. I am not diabetic.
FELTONJanuary 31, 2017 at 8:57 pm
I'M DAV BEEN ON OMEPRAZOLE for over ten years,couple of years back started trowing up several times a week while trying to eat.I quit taking this drug a few months back,problem has gone away.
DaveJanuary 30, 2017 at 10:16 pm
I have used prilosec and prevacid for years due to acid reflux . I have stage 4 kidney disease with about 30% function. I'm very curious if my kidney failure was caused by these meds. I have since Healed my acid reflux by using apple cider vinegar daily. That's right. I said healed..
CindyJanuary 30, 2017 at 4:45 am
I was hospitalized on October of 2015 for acute severe kidney failure I got very sick
DarleneJanuary 28, 2017 at 11:27 pm
I too been off and on.. got real sick with stomach pain and constant vomiting. A scope reviewed my stomach was inflamed. Also said I have an ulcer. Stomach hurts all the time Also have a cyst on my kidney Doctor gave me omeprazole to take twice a day Use to take nexium and other medicine for herd. Now they tell me I have gastoritize. Still keep bringing up foam plus my bones has broken down L[Show More]I too been off and on.. got real sick with stomach pain and constant vomiting. A scope reviewed my stomach was inflamed. Also said I have an ulcer. Stomach hurts all the time Also have a cyst on my kidney Doctor gave me omeprazole to take twice a day Use to take nexium and other medicine for herd. Now they tell me I have gastoritize. Still keep bringing up foam plus my bones has broken down Lots of pain
Margaret J.January 28, 2017 at 8:53 pm
I, too, now have Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Osteoporosis after years of being treated with Prilosec for Acid Reflux.
tinaJanuary 27, 2017 at 10:34 pm
I've been on omeprazole dr 20 mg twice daily for years.
JudithJanuary 24, 2017 at 4:02 pm
I was on prescription Prilosec for years until I read about this online. My kidneys have failed x 2 and I am now on a kidney transplant list. The doctors didn't have an explanation for why my kidneys failed...my diabetes doctor was adamant that it was NOT caused by my diabetes. So, I've been wondering about this...and wonder what kind of proof is needed that Prilosec actually did this to me?
Antonio JJanuary 23, 2017 at 10:21 pm
So, what is the recommendation for us?
DeaneJanuary 23, 2017 at 11:30 am
Nexium also causes osteoporosis & my Dr didn't tell me this & it wasn't in the literature accompanying the RX. My radiologist knew it and informed me when my 2nd bone scan showed bone loss after 2 years on Nexium. My gastroenterologist wanted me to stay on the drug even after my bad Dexiscan showed serious bone loss. Thank heavens Ihad a baseline test to compare the post nexium scan with.
WilliamJanuary 21, 2017 at 6:20 pm
I've been using prilosec for over 15 years and was told that I have a kidney cyst but not to worry about it. Not sure if I need to or not. Haven't been able to get off of them.
EvaJanuary 19, 2017 at 5:13 am
Does anybody have experience with NERD (non erosive.,) ? I've been prescribed a PPI "for the rest of my life) to take twice a day. I'm currently taking Aloe Vera liquid in the morning which works great and PPI in the evening and want to wean myself completely .