Parker Waichman LLP

Oral Sodium Phosphate Solution Dangers

In December, we reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had ordered the makers of Visicol and OsmoPrep to include black box warnings on the drugs’ labels regarding acute kidney risks associated with prescription sodium phosphate medications (OSPs) that many people take as a bowel prep before colonoscopy. A recent article in Public […]

In December, we reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had ordered the makers of Visicol and OsmoPrep to include black box warnings on the drugs’ labels regarding acute kidney risks associated with prescription sodium phosphate medications (OSPs) that many people take as a bowel prep before colonoscopy. A recent article in Public Citizen’s “Worst Pills, Best Pills” newsletter pointed out that the FDA has received more reports of patients falling ill with acute phosphate nephropathy, a type of serious, acute kidney damage, associated with the use of OSPs.

The FDA said it had seen similar kidney problems in people who used over-the-counter (OTC) sodium phosphate products as bowel preps, and recommended they not be used for this purpose. The FDA said it planned to amend the labeling conditions for OTC OSP products to address this concern with bowel cleansing use. As a result, C.B. Fleet Co. announced a voluntary recall of OTC <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Fleet_Phospho_soda_Recall">Fleet Phospho-soda products. The product is a non-prescription laxative, but is often used in larger doses for bowel cleansing.

In 2006, the FDA issued a Science Paper and a Healthcare Professional sheet describing the risks associated with the use of OSPs for bowel cleansing. Since, as part of the agency’s post-marketing surveillance, the FDA has received reports of 20 unique cases of kidney injury associated with the use of OsmoPrep; three were biopsy-proven cases of acute phosphate nephropathy. The FDA said the onset of kidney injury in these cases varied, occurring in some within several hours of use of these products, and in other cases, up to 21 days after use.

The FDA also warned that OSPs should not be used by children under 18 years of age or in combination with other laxative products containing sodium phosphate and also recommended that prescription OSPs be used with caution for bowel cleansing by people over 55 years of age; people who suffer from dehydration, kidney disease, acute colitis, or delayed bowel emptying; and people taking certain medicines that affect kidney function, such as diuretics (fluid pills), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (medications that lower blood pressure), angiotensin receptor blockers (used to treat high blood pressure and heart or kidney failure), and, possibly, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (similar to ibuprofen and other arthritis medication

Public Citizen noted that acute phosphate nephropathy is a rare, but serious condition in which deposits of calcium-phosphate crystals are trapped in the renal (kidney) tubules and which may result in permanent kidney function impairment. There are safer, equally effective, alternatives to OSPs for pre-colonoscopy bowel cleansing which do not contain sodium phosphate, said Public Citizen. Two of the most commonly used products are Colyte and TriLyte, both oral solutions, which require a presecription, it recommended

The FDA is requiring, reported Public Citizen, the maker of Visicol and OsmoPrep to conduct a post-marketing clinical trial to further assess the risk of acute kidney injury with use of these medications and must also develop and implement a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) that is to include a Medication Guide informing patients about the products about benefits and risks of these products.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Very generous law firm. I personally want to Thank Jorge Peniche for introducing this firm and Francisco Albites for helping my family to get justice in a very complicated case. Thank you.
pinso ongmo
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
when 911 happened i had a very bad experience with my health but now i am better, i decided to contact the law firm of Parker Waichman for assistance, they referred me to Benita Rollins regarding my case, she took charge ,very knowledgeable lady ,helped me with the case ,they are the best law firm to contact regarding any issue with any matter simply the best ever !! especially Benita Rollins, ho has helped me with my issue very Graithful for help from this lady.
Frank Dimeglio
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness
Natasha Wolf
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038