Prevacid and Interstitial Nephritis

The anti-heartburn drug Prevacid has been linked to a severe type of kidney inflammation called acute interstitial nephritis. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, nephritis can cause permanent renal impairment or kidney 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 interstitial nephritis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

What is Prevacid?

Prevacid is an over-the-counter medication that decreases stomach acid, which helps prevent heartburn and treat stomach ulcers.

What is the problem?

Because Prevacid is available in drugstores, many people falsely assume it is safe. Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that Prevacid can significantly increase the risk of nephritis and other kidney problems, including kidney failure.

In one recent study published by CMAJ Open, researchers found a tripled increased risk of nephritis. The conclusions were based on data from 290,000 older adults in Canada who used Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI) antacid medications like Prevacid.

FDA Updates Nephritis Warning Label

In December 2014, the FDA updated the label on Prevacid to include warnings about acute interstitial nephritis. This hypersensitivity reaction can occur at any time when a patient is taking Prevacid.

What is Nephritis?

Acute interstitial nephritis causes sudden inflammation in the kidneys and swelling in the spaces between tubules, which are tiny structures that reabsorb water and nutrients as the kidneys are cleaning the blood. Nephritis is almost always caused by an allergic reaction to medications in the bloodstream, and over 100 medications may be responsible.

Symptoms of Nephritis

• Blood in urine
• Fever
• Increased or decreased urine output
• Changes in mental status (sleepiness, coma, confusion, etc.)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rash
• Swelling in any area of the body
• Weight-gain due to fluid retention

Diagnosis & Treatment

The only way to conclusively diagnose interstitial nephritis is with a biopsy. In mild cases, patients can usually avoid a biopsy by simply discontinuing Prevacid and any other medication that might be causing the reaction. With early diagnosis, most patients can recover near-normal kidney function within a few months. Corticosteroids can decrease inflammation and improve kidney function.

Permanent Kidney Problems Are Common

Unfortunately, studies have found that “permanent impairment of renal function is rather common in the disease,” and in severe cases, patients can develop kidney failure. Interstitial nephritis is responsible for up to 15% of all patients who are hospitalized with kidney failure.

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.