Dexilant is an anti-heartburn drug in the Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class. All drugs in this class have been associated with severe kidney side effects, including sudden inflammation known as acute interstitial nephritis.
Need a Texas Dexilant 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.
Overview
Dexilant contains dexlansoprazole, an antacid that decreases the amount of acid made by the stomach. The drug is structurally similar to lansoprazole, the active ingredient in Prevacid.
What is the problem?
Acute interstitial nephritis is usually caused by an allergic reaction to medications in the bloodstream. As blood passes through the kidneys to be cleaned, inflammation occurs in the spaces between tubules. This causes severe swelling and makes it harder for the kidneys to do their job. In severe cases, the kidneys suddenly stop working.
Complications
The kidneys are remarkably resilient organs and they can recover from moderate damage. However, it is very common for patients to develop scarring (fibrosis) in the kidneys that permanently decreases kidney function. In some cases, patients develop:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- Kidney failure
FDA Updates Warnings
In December 2015, the FDA updated the label on Dexilant to include a section on acute interstitial nephritis. Evidence linking PPIs and nephritis had been growing since the early 1990s.
Study Links PPIs and 3X Risk of Nephritis
In 2015, CMAJ Open published a study of 290,000 older adults in Canada and found a 3X increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis among patients on PPIs.
Symptoms of Acute Interstitial Nephritis
- Fever
- Blood or pus in urine (may be cloudy or pink)
- Pain in the pelvis, kidney area, or abdomen
- Swelling
- Nausea, vomiting
- Urinating much more or less than usual
- Rash
- Confusion
- High blood pressure
- And more
Treatment for Nephritis
Nephritis can occur in just a few days, but it often takes a few weeks before patients seek treatment. The longer patients delay treatment and continue taking Dexilant, the higher the risk of complications like kidney failure. Patients often must be hospitalized to receive intravenous (IV) fluids and medications — typically anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. They may also need dialysis.
Need a Dexilant 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 Dexilant lawyers for a free lawsuit review.