Vimovo is an anti-heartburn drug that is associated with an increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis. This side effect causes sudden kidney inflammation and it can lead to kidney failure.
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 acute interstitial nephritis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Vimovo and Interstitial Nephritis
Vimovo is an antacid medication that combines naproxen and esomeprazole. Both ingredients are associated with an increased risk of interstitial nephritis.
FDA Updates Warnings
In December 2014, the FDA updated the label on Vimovo to include stronger warnings about interstitial nephritis. However, evidence linking Vimovo and nephritis has been growing for years.
Case Reports of Nephritis
In October 2004, AstraZeneca reported being aware of at least 15 cases of nephritis linked to esomeprazole. In one case report from 2004, a 63 year-old woman developed nephritis and needed dialysis after taking esomeprazole for three weeks.
Study Links PPIs and Nephritis
Vimovo is an antacid in the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class. In April 2015, a Canadian study found that older adults on PPIs were three times more likely to develop acute interstitial nephritis than non-users.
What is Interstitial Nephritis?
Nephritis is a medical term for kidney inflammation, and acute interstitial nephritis involves sudden inflammation in the interstitial tissue, which causes the kidneys to swell. This tissue is located in the spaces between tubules, which are tiny structures inside the kidneys that clean the blood.
Symptoms of Interstitial Nephritis
- Enlarged kidneys
- Blood in urine
- Decreased or increased urine output
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting
- Changes in mental status (drowsiness, confusion, coma, etc.)
- Rash
- Swelling of the body
- Fluid retention
- Pain in the pelvis
What Causes Interstitial Nephritis?
Allergic reactions to medications in the blood are usually what causes interstitial nephritis. Patients with nephritis will not get better unless they stop taking the medication and receive treatment. Over 100 medications are known to cause nephritis.
Treatment for Interstitial Nephritis
Nephritis is a serious medical condition that can cause kidney failure. Most patients must be hospitalized to receive treatment, which typically involves anti-inflammatory medications and intravenous (IV) fluids. Patients may also need to eat a special diet for a few weeks.
Treatment becomes much more complex when the kidneys are damaged. In some cases, dialysis is necessary to clean the blood. However, nephritis is usually a short-term condition and patients recover near-normal kidney function within a few months.
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.