A recent proton pump inhibitors lawsuit alleges that a patient had problems with kidney function as a result of taking these drugs. There are some things you should know about this lawsuit as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
What are PPIs?
These drugs are medications that can be used to reduce the amount of stomach acid in the stomach lining. In doing so, they can relieve symptoms of acid reflux. These drugs are also used to treat stomach ulcers. These drugs can be further used to treat esophagus damage from acid reflux and heartburn. There are various brand names, including Nexium and Prevacid.
What are the side effects of PPIs?
Common side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, itching, nausea, and headache. More serious side effects can include bone fractures and infections. According to a study in 2016, these drugs can also be bad for the kidneys. The study linked PPIs to serious kidney complications.
Why are people filing lawsuits?
Lawsuits against manufacturers of PPIs focus on the link between their use and the development of kidney disease. The first lawsuit of its kind was in 2016 when a patient who had been taking Nexium claimed the drug caused kidney damage and the patient required a kidney transplant. The lawsuit alleges that the manufacturer was aware of the risk of kidney disease but didn’t notify customers about those risks.
Have the drugs been recalled?
There hasn’t been a widespread FDA recall in response to the studies that link the drugs to health problems. The companies that manufacture these drugs also haven’t issued a recall. However, there are now lawsuits that allege the manufacturers knew the risk of the medications and still didn’t communicate the risks to physicians and patients. While the FDA hasn’t recalled any medications, it did issue a variety of warnings that relate to these medications, including a notice that long-term use can increase fractures in some patients. The FDA recommends to not take these drugs for more than three 14-day periods in a year.
How long do you have to file a lawsuit?
How long you have to file a lawsuit will depend on the statute of limitations. These laws can vary by state, but if you have been harmed by PPIs you have two years to file a lawsuit. This two-year window will usually begin on the day the patient is diagnosed with related complications or side effects.
What damages can be recovered in a PPI lawsuit?
If you have been harmed or lost a loved one due to PPI complications, then a lawsuit can help you recover damages. A proton pump inhibitors lawsuit divides damages into two categories. These are economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical costs, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering.
