Prevacid Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Acute interstitial nephritis is a severe type of kidney inflammation that can occur in patients on Prevacid. Without prompt treatment, it can permanently damage the kidneys or cause renal failure.

Need a Texas Prevacid 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

Acute interstitial nephritis is a medical term for sudden inflammation in the kidneys. It is almost always caused by allergic reactions to medications in the bloodstream. It causes severe swelling of interstitial tissue in the spaces between tubules, which is why it is sometimes called “tubulo-interstitial nephritis.”

What Causes Interstitial Nephritis?

Over 100 medications are known to cause interstitial nephritis, but antacids in the Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class cause the vast majority of cases. Patients will need to stop taking Prevacid and all other medications that might be causing kidney inflammation.

What is the problem?

Prevacid is available without a prescription, which is why some people falsely assume it is safe. It is actually associated with a number of severe kidney side effects — including Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and kidney failure.

FDA Updates Prevacid Nephritis Warnings

In fact, evidence linking PPIs and nephritis has been growing since the first case reports were published in the 1990s. However, it was not until December 2014 that the FDA updated the label on Prevacid to include warnings about acute interstitial nephritis.

Studies Linking PPIs and Nephritis

After those warnings were published, a Canadian study found that older adults on PPIs were three times more likely to be diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis than non-users. Other studies have found 50% increased rates of CKD.

Symptoms of Acute Interstitial Nephritis

• Enlarged kidneys
• Fever
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Increased or deceased urination
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Swelling
• Fluid-retention
• Confusion

Long-Term Outlook

Patients on Prevacid can develop nephritis within a few days, but the early symptoms are easily mistaken for other problems. It usually takes several weeks for symptoms to become severe enough for patients to seek medical attention.

The longer nephritis goes untreated, the higher the risk of complications. Researchers have found that patients can usually recover near-normal kidney function within a few months, but they warn that “permanent impairment of renal function is rather common in the disease.” In severe cases, patients need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Need a Prevacid 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 Prevacid lawyers for a free lawsuit review.