The anti-heartburn drug Protonix has been linked to higher rates of nephritis (kidney inflammation), stomach cancer, kidney disease, and other severe side effects.
Need a Texas Protonix 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 kidney failure or another severe side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Protonix and Stomach Cancer
In November 2017, a study published in the journal Gut found a doubled (2X) higher risk of stomach cancer for people who were on long-term treatment with heartburn medications in the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class, which includes popular antacids like Protonix.
Protonix Lawsuits Centralized in MDL
August 2017 — Judges have centralized 161 lawsuits involving kidney injuries from Protonix and other PPI heartburn drugs into Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2798) under Judge Claire C. Cecchi in the District of New Jersey — In RE: Proton-Pump Inhibitor Products Liability Litigation (No. II). Drug-makers are accused of failing to warn that Protonix can cause kidney injuries, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), acute interstitial nephritis, end-stage kidney disease, or kidney failure.
Study Links Heartburn Drugs and Death
July 2017 — A new study published in BMJ Open has found up to a 50% increased risk of death for people who use PPI heartburn drugs for 1-2 years instead of another type of heartburn drugs called H2-blockers. long-term use of PPI heartburn drug. Click here to read more.
Heartburn Drugs Causing Massive Health Problems
Protonix Linked to 96% Higher Risk of Kidney Failure
April 2016 — A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has linked the use of anti-heartburn medications in the PPI class to a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Click here to read more.
Overview
Protonix (pantoprazole) is a medication that reduces the amount of acid made by the stomach. It is primarily used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, but also sometimes prescribed to help people heal from stomach ulcers or injuries to the esophagus.
What is the problem?
Protonix is in the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class of drugs. In November 2013, the FDA updated the label on all PPIs to include stronger warnings about kidney problems. According to the FDA, nephritis can occur at any time during treatment with Protonix.
Protonix and Kidney Failure
Protonix and other PPIs are associated with several kidney diseases that can lead to kidney failure without treatment. The kidneys can heal from mild damage or nephritis, but delayed diagnosis increases the risk of permanent kidney impairment. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose 85% of their normal function. This causes toxins and wastes to build up in the bloodstream and poison the body.
What is Nephritis?
The label on Protonix was updated to include acute interstitial nephritis, which is a sudden inflammation and swelling in the kidneys caused by an allergic reaction. About half of people with nephritis develop symptoms of kidney failure. In severe cases, inflammation can scar the kidneys and cause permanent kidney problems.
Symptoms of Nephritis
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Changes in urine output (more or less than normal)
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swelling in the body due to fluid retention
- Weight-gain due to excess fluid
Protonix and Chronic Kidney Disease
In February 2016, JAMA Internal Medicine published a study linking the use of anti-heartburn drugs in the PPI class with up to a 50% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The conclusions of the study were based on data from nearly 10,500 people who took PPIs routinely between 1996 and 2011. Compared to people who used other types of heartburn drugs, once-daily use of a PPI was linked to a 15% increased risk of CKD and twice-daily use was linked to a 46% increased risk.
Case Report Linked Protonix and Kidney Inflammation
Evidence linking Protonix and kidney problems has been growing for years. In 2008, a case report published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal described a 57 year-old man who came to the hospital with a 2-week history of fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. He started taking Protonix (40-mg daily) six weeks earlier. After undergoing a biopsy, he was diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis.
Nephritis and Acute Kidney Injury
CMAJ Open, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, published a study linking long-term use of PPIs with nephritis and kidney injury in April 2015. Researchers analyzed data on nearly 300,000 adults in Ontario who were over 66 years old. They found a 2.4-fold increased risk of acute kidney injury and a 3-fold increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis associated with PPIs.
Side Effects of Protonix
- Stomach cancer
- Acute interstitial nephritis
- Bone fractures
- Hip, wrist, and spinal fractures
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Chronic diarrhea from Clostridium difficile infections
- Low magnesium
- Muscle spasms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
Protonix Class Action
The Clark Firm, LLP is nationally recognized as a class action law firm in Texas. At this time, our trial lawyers are filing individual lawsuits rather than a Protonix class action. We are focusing on helping plaintiffs with severe side effects.
Need a Protonix 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 Protonix lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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