Anti-heartburn drugs like Aciphex are associated with a sudden type of kidney inflammation known as acute interstitial nephritis. Recent studies suggest that regular use of PPIs may triple the risk of nephritis for older adults.
Need a Texas Aciphex Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Aciphex and Nephritis
Aciphex is an anti-heartburn drug that contains rabeprazole. The first case report linking Aciphex and acute interstitial nephritis was published in 2005. The 63 year-old victim required long-term dialysis. In another report from 2008, an 84 year-old woman rapidly developed kidney failure after taking Aciphex.
FDA Updates Warning Labels
The label on Aciphex was updated by the FDA in December 2014 with stronger warnings about acute interstitial nephritis. The agency said it can occur at any time during treatment and is generally attributed to a hypersensitivity reaction.
What is Nephritis?
Aciphex is associated with acute interstitial nephritis, a sudden and severe kidney inflammation that causes swelling in the spaces between tubules.
Most cases of acute interstitial nephritis are caused by allergic reactions to anti-heartburn drugs in the Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class, such as Aciphex. However, there are over 100 medications known to cause nephritis.
Studies Linking PPIs and Nephritis
One study linking PPIs and nephritis was published in CMAJ Open in April 2015. The authors of the study warned that PPIs may triple the risk of nephritis, based on data from nearly 300,000 adults over 66 years old in Ontario who used PPIs.
Symptoms of Acute Interstitial Nephritis
The first signs of nephritis may appear in a few days, but it can take several weeks or even months before patients are sick enough to seek medical attention. By that time, the kidneys may have scarring (fibrosis) and be permanently damaged.
Symptoms of nephritis may include:
- Kidney enlargement
- Blood in the urine
- Increased or decreased urine output
- Fever
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Confusion
- Coma
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rash
- Swelling of the body
- Weight-gain due to fluid retention
Nephritis and Kidney Failure
About 50% of patients with acute interstitial nephritis develop symptoms of kidney failure. It is responsible for up to 15% of patients who are hospitalized with kidney failure. The risk of kidney failure increases the longer a patient continues taking Aciphex. However, diagnosis may be delayed because about two-thirds of patients do not have classic symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain.
Need an Aciphex Lawyer in Texas?
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