The anti-arthritis drug Vimovo contains two ingredients that have been linked to kidney failure. There is also evidence linking it to nephritis (kidney inflammation) and chronic kidney disease.
Need a Texas Vimovo 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, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Overview
Vimovo contains a combination of two drugs, both of which have been linked to kidney failure. These ingredients include esomeprazole (Nexium) and naproxen.
Study Links Vimovo and 96% Increased Risk of Kidney Failure
Vimovo and other PPIs were associated with a 26% increased risk of kidney disease and a 96% higher rate of kidney failure in a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology in April 2016. The researchers based their conclusions on data from nearly 200,000 veterans in St. Louis, including 170,000 who used PPIs and 20,000 who used H2-blocker antacids.
After a 5-year follow-up, kidney disease was diagnosed in 15% of PPI users. Those who used PPIs for 1-2 years were also 3X more likely to develop kidney failure than people who used PPIs for a month or less. About 0.2% of study participants were diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure and the rate was nearly doubled among PPI users.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, lead author of the study, warned:
“I think people see these medications at the drug store and assume they’re completely safe. But there’s growing evidence they’re not as safe as we’ve thought. [Patients should] use PPIs only when it is medically necessary, and should limit duration of exposure to the minimum necessary to treat the underlying medical condition.”
Vimovo and Kidney Failure Warnings
The Prescribing Information (PDF) warns that serious side effects of Vimovo include kidney problems and kidney failure. The label warns: “Naproxen is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function.”
Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased kidney function, care should be taken in choosing the dose of Vimovo. It may also be useful to monitor kidney function. Older patients may be at a greater risk of developing kidney toxicity.
What is the problem?
There is a growing amount of evidence linking antacid medications in the Proton-Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class — including esomeprazole — with higher rates of kidney problems that can cause kidney failure. These side effects include:
- Interstitial nephritis
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- Renal impairment
FDA Updates Warnings for Vimovo
In December 2014, the FDA updated the label on Vimovo and other PPIs to include nephritis. This side effect occurs when an allergic reaction in the kidneys causes sudden inflammation and swelling. Without prompt treatment, it can cause kidney failure.
Studies Linking PPIs and Kidney Disease
Since the 1990s, the FDA has received dozens of case reports of nephritis and kidney disease in patients on PPIs. In recent years, several studies have found that PPIs significantly increase the risk of these side effects:
- CMAJ Open (April 2015): Study by Canadian researchers found a 3-fold increased risk of nephritis and a 2.5-fold increased risk of acute kidney injury.
- JAMA Internal Medicine (February 2016): Study based on 10,500 people on heartburn drugs linked the daily use of PPIs with a 15-46% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), occurs when kidney function drops below 15% of normal. The kidneys are responsible for cleaning the blood, regulating blood pressure, making urine, and more. When they can no longer keep up with the body’s needs, toxins and fluids build up in the body. Kidney failure can only be treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Complications of Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can cause a wide range of health problems, including:
- Fluid retention (swelling in arms and legs)
- Fluid in lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Changes in blood chemistry
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Bone disease
- Persistent itching and dry skin
- Decreased sex drive
- Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis)
- And more
Need a Vimovo 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 Vimovo lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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