A variety of acid-reducing medications are on the market in the United States, but they don’t all work in the same way. Medications that belong to the proton pump inhibitor class of acid-reducing drugs work by blocking an enzyme that controls acid production in the stomach.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Medications
Proton pump inhibitors are often taken to treat conditions such as GERD, esophagitis, ulcers, and other diagnosed medical conditions, and include medications such as:
- Dexilant
- Kapidex
- Nexium
- Prevacid
- Prilosec
- Protonix
- Aciphex
- Dexlansoprazole
- Esomeprazole
- Lansoprazole
- Omeprazole
- Pantoprazole
- Rabeprazole
Previous studies have linked proton pump inhibitors to dangerous medical conditions. For example, proton pump inhibitors have reportedly caused heart problems, kidney problems, infections, broken bones, stomach cancer, stroke, and premature death.
New Study Reports on New Proton Pump Inhibitor Danger
During the summer of 2019, the results of a new study were released in the medical journal, Nature Communications. According to this study, proton pump inhibitors may cause allergies. The study found that people taking stomach acid inhibitors, including H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitor medications, were much more likely to be prescribed allergy medications.
Researchers suggest that stomach acid inhibitor medications may disrupt the acids and enzymes of the stomach, which affects the body’s immune system and causes allergies. The allergies may go beyond uncomfortable seasonal allergies and potentially include dangerous, life-threatening food allergies.
Don’t Underestimate Proton Pump Inhibitor Risks
Proton pump inhibitor medications came on the market in the United States in 1990. For approximately 30 years, they have been available to treat people with acid reflux disease. Some proton pump inhibitors are available over the counter. Many people believe that proton pump inhibitors are inherently safe because of the length of time these drugs have been on the market and the fact that you can get them without a doctor’s prescription. However, research indicates that this might not be true.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Lawsuits
Proton pump inhibitor lawsuits were combined into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in 2017. Since then, the number of proton pump inhibitor injury lawsuits has increased significantly. As of August 2019, more than 13,000 proton pump inhibitor injury cases were pending, and proton pump inhibitor injury cases are currently one of the largest mass tort actions in the United States. The first trial is currently scheduled for September 2020.
Proton pump inhibitors may cause various life-threatening side effects, including allergies, as shown in the recent study. However, plaintiffs in all of the multidistrict litigation proton pump inhibitor cases claim that proton pump inhibitors caused their kidney damage. More specifically, the plaintiffs allege that they suffered kidney disease, kidney injury, kidney failure, or acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) because of their proton pump inhibitor medications. They further allege that the drug manufacturers failed to warn them of the kidney-related risks.
Accordingly, these plaintiffs seek financial recoveries for their kidney injuries. Financial recoveries could include compensation for past and future medical costs, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses (including funeral costs), physical pain, and emotional suffering. In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages.
As the plaintiff in a mass tort case, you share in the legal and discovery costs with others who have been similarly injured from proton pump inhibitors, but your recovery will be unique and based on your own specific injuries. For this reason, you need to speak with a local lawyer whom you trust.
Keefe Disability Law represents clients throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. We will take the time to get to know you, to understand how your proton pump inhibitor hurt you, to advise you of your rights, and to fight hard to get you the fair and full recovery that you deserve.
Call us today, or contact us through our website, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our mass tort lawyers as soon as possible so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue a proton pump inhibitor injury case.
Are You Looking for a Mass Tort Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you have been injured by dangerous drugs you need to speak with an experienced mass torts lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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