Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs used to reduce the body’s production of gastric acid.
PPI drugs, including Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, and others, are some of the most widely prescribed medications in the U.
S, generating up to $14 billion in annual sales. Recent studies have shown that these medications are also linked to dangerous side effects that can cause severe injuries or even death.
When the stomach produces too much gastric acid, it can enter other parts of the body such as the throat and cause irritation, ulcers, and other damage.
PPI drugs are often prescribed to patients that suffer from conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or erosive esophagitis (EE).
Several scientific studies have shown that the use of PPI drugs to treat heartburn and acid reflux is linked to the following devastating medical conditions:
One of the first links between PPI drugs and these dangerous medical conditions was established by a 2015 study published by the Public Library of Science. This study found that patients that were exposed to PPI drugs faced a greater risk of suffering heart attacks compared to patients that were not taking these drugs.
A short time later, two separate studies published in February 2016 highlighted the link between the use of PPI medications and kidney disease. One of the February 2016 studies also suggested that the longer patients were exposed to PPI drugs, the greater their risk of developing kidney damage.
Most recently, a study published in April 2016 by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients over the age of 75 that were regular users of PPI medications had a “significantly increased risk” of developing dementia compared to other people in their age group that were not taking these medications.
While heartburn and acid reflux may seem like relatively harmless medical conditions, the PPI drugs used to treat these conditions are linked to dangerous and potentially fatal side effects.
Many in the medical community also believe that these drugs are often overprescribed.
One study’s authors believe that 25% of long-term PPI users could stop taking these medications without experiencing increased heartburn or acid reflux.
When drug manufacturers fail to warn doctors and patients about the potential dangers of prescription medications, they put the health and safety of patients at risk. At Graves McLain, our experienced Tulsa Drug Injury lawyers have extensive experience standing up to major drug companies on behalf of our clients.
If you or a loved one suffered serious medical problems after taking Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, or any other type of PPI medication, contact Graves McLain at 918-359-6600. An experienced Oklahoma drug injury lawyer will speak with you for free and help you find answers.
At Graves McLain, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front, and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
Graves McLain – Serious Lawyers for Serious Injuries
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
