Aciphex and Interstitial Nephritis

The FDA recently warned about the risk of acute interstitial nephritis from Aciphex. This side effect is an allergic reaction that causes sudden swelling and inflammation in the kidneys. In severe cases, it can cause kidney failure.

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 interstitial nephritis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Overview

Aciphex is an anti-heartburn medication that contains rabeprazole. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach.

Aciphex and Nephritis

Evidence linking Aciphex and nephritis has been growing for over a decade. The first case report was published in 2005 in the journal Nephrology. In another report, an 84 year-old woman rapidly developed kidney failure after taking Aciphex.

FDA Updates Warning Label

In December 2014, the FDA updated the label on Aciphex with new warnings about acute interstitial nephritis. The FDA also contraindicated Aciphex in patients with hypersensitivity reactions.

Studies Link PPIs and Nephritis

In April 2015, a study published in CMAJ Open associated the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) with a tripled increased risk of nephritis. The researchers analyzed data on 290,000 adults over 66 years old in Ontario, Canada.

What is Nephritis?

Nephritis means “kidney inflammation,” and acute interstitial nephritis is a sudden inflammation of the interstitial tissue. It causes swelling in the spaces between tubules, which help the kidneys clean the blood. It is also sometimes called “tubulo-interstitial nephritis.”

What Causes Nephritis?

Nephritis has many causes, but the most common is an allergic reaction to medications in the bloodstream. Patients will need to stop taking Aciphex and any other medication that might be causing kidney problems. Over 100 medications are known to cause nephritis, but the most common culprits are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).

Symptoms of Interstitial Nephritis

• Fever
• Rash
• Blood in the urine
• Decreased or increased urine output
• Nausea, vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fluid retention
• Swelling in the body
• Pain
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Coma

How is Interstitial Nephritis Treated?

Most patients with interstitial nephritis will need to be hospitalized, where they will typically receive anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids). About 50% of patients with nephritis develop symptoms of kidney failure.

When kidney function drops below 15% of normal, patients will need dialysis to mechanically clean the blood. The kidneys can recover from moderate damage, but the longer nephritis goes untreated, the higher the risk of kidney failure.

Need an Aciphex Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Aciphex lawyers for a free lawsuit review.