Prilosec Lawsuit Law Firm
In recent years, proton pump inhibitors have been linked to a number of serious side effects, including:
- Increased risk of a hip, wrist, or spine fractures
- Interference with the blood-clotting properties of Plavix
- Increased risk of serious cardiac event following a heart attack
Our proton pump inhibitor lawyers are investigating injuries linked to these heartburn treatments. Prescription versions of the drugs used to treat conditions such as small intestine and stomach ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include, Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, and Aciphex. Over-the-counter brands include Zegerid OTC, Prilosec OTC, and Prevacid 24HR and are approved for frequent heartburn treatment.
Proton pump inhibitors are extremely popular with doctors writing roughly 113.4 million prescriptions for the drugs every year. If you or a loved one suffered one of these proton pump inhibitor side effects, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our proton pump inhibitor lawyers are currently offering free case evaluations to victims of these injuries. We urge you to contact us today to protect your legal rights.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Fractures
Proton pump inhibitors work by reducing acid in the stomach. Over time, this may inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis. In May 2010, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the safety labeling for both prescription and over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors would be updated to include information on an increased risk of certain fractures associated with their use.
The agency decided to implement the label change after reviewing numerous epidemiological studies that concluded proton pump inhibitor use could cause an increased risk of fractures of the wrist, spine, and hip. Some studies found that those taking higher doses of proton pump inhibitors for one or more years were at the highest risk for these types of fractures. The study discovered that those taking part who were 50 years old or older, which composed the bulk of the participants, were at the greatest risk for fractures.
The FDA advised that healthcare professionals and users of proton pump inhibitors be aware of the possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine, and weigh the known benefits against the potential risks when deciding to use these drugs.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Plavix
In November 2009, the FDA issued a public health alert to make users of Plavix aware that Prilosec and Nexium could significantly decrease that drug’s anti-clotting effects. Prilosec inhibits the drug metabolizing enzyme (CYP2C19) which is responsible for the conversion of Plavix into its active form (active metabolite), the FDA said. As a result, patients taking both drugs could face a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Since this discovery, countless lawsuits have been filed against these companies.
The FDA issued the health alert after studies compared the amount of Plavix’s active metabolite in the blood and its effect on platelets (anti-clotting effect) in people who took Plavix and Prilosec versus those who took Plavix alone. A reduction in active metabolite levels of about 45 percent was found in people who received Plavix with Prilosec compared to those taking Plavix alone. The effect of Plavix on platelets was reduced by as much as 47 percent in people receiving Plavix and Prilosec together. These reductions were seen whether the drugs were given at the same time or 12 hours apart, the agency said.
Nexium also inhibits CYP2C19 and should also be avoided in combination with Plavix. The FDA advised people taking Plavix to consult their healthcare provider if they were currently taking or were considering taking Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, or Nexium.
Proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed to Plavix patients to minimize gastric effects such as nausea and heartburn. According to the FDA, the level of CYP2C19 inhibition among other proton pump inhibitors varies, so it is unknown to what extent other proton pump inhibitors may interfere with Plavix.
Proton Pump Inhibitors After a Heart Attack
In September 2010, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that of over 56,000 Danish patients discharged after a heart attack, those who had at least one prescription for a proton pump inhibitor had a 29 percent increased risk of cardiovascular death or re-hospitalization for a heart attack or stroke in the 30 days after discharge compared with those who did not receive such a drug.
The study also cast doubt on concerns that proton pump inhibitors inhibit the effectiveness of Plavix. Among the patients in this study, the risk for additional cardiac events was exactly the same for those prescribed a proton pump inhibitor and Plavix, compared to those not prescribed a proton pump inhibitor. The researchers concluded that the increased risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death is associated with proton pump inhibitors, and not the combination of Plavix and a proton pump inhibitor.
Legal Help for Victims of Proton Pump Inhibitor Side Effects
If you or a loved one suffered any of the above injuries while taking a proton pump inhibitor, you may have valuable legal rights. Please call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) or fill out the form online to discuss your case with one of our proton pump inhibitor lawyers today.
Prilosec Linked to Hip Fractures
Prilosec (generic: omeprazole), which gained FDA approval in 2003 and is manufactured by Astra Zeneca, is just one of a few antacid medications that are classified as proton pump inhibitors. Other common proton pump inhibitor drugs include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, and Protonix. These drugs are usually prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and are among the most widely used drugs in the United States.
On December 26, 2006, a report was released that showed the correlation between people taking proton pump inhibitors and the increased risk of hip fractures. The report, which can be found in the December 27, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), was based on a University of Pennsylvania study that showed proton pump inhibitors could increase the risk of hip fractures as much as 260 percent.
“If you take acid-suppression medications on a chronic basis and you are 50 or older, your hip fracture risk is even higher than usual,” said study author Dr. Yu-Xiao Yang, an assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology. “In addition, if you are one of the few patients who requires high doses, then your risk is even higher,” Yang added.
Study Results
In the study, a team lead by Dr. Yang collected statistics on 13,556 people with hip fractures and 135,386 healthy people, all aged 50 or older. The researchers discovered that taking a proton pump inhibitor for more than one year increased the threat of hip fracture by 44%, compared with people not taking these medications. Additionally, the risk was 2.6 times higher among people who took high doses over a long period. The risk of hip fracture increased with both the dosage and the duration of proton pump inhibitor therapy, Yang’s team found.
Yang said he feels these drugs are prescribed too often. “Not everybody is on this medicine for good reasons,” he said. “Proton pump inhibitors have been on the market for 15 years, and the general feeling is that they are safe to be taken on a chronic basis. So, they are given often without having a clear indication or without making sure the patient is benefiting from the medication.” Moreover, Yang thinks that both men and women taking prescription proton pump inhibitors should also take a calcium supplement to insure that they maintain their bone mass and lower their risk of hip fracture.
Dr. Lawrence Brandt, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at Montefiore Medical Center, in New York City, said “Proton pump inhibitors are probably one of the most abused classes of drugs in the world. So, there are a lot of people on this medication who shouldn’t be on this medication.” While Acphex, Nexium Prevacid and Protonix all require a prescription, Prilosec is now sold over the counter which increases the potential for overuse.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Hypomagnesemia
The long-term use of proton pump inhibitors has been associated with hypomagnesemia, a condition caused by low levels of magnesium in the blood. In March 2011, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that the makers of prescription proton pump inhibitors include information about the potential risk of low magnesium in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections of the labels for all prescription proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors subjected to the new warnings included Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, AcipHex, and Vimovo.
Low serum magnesium levels can result in serious adverse events including:
- Muscle spasm
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Seizures
According to the FDA, hypomagnesemia has been reported in adult patients taking proton pump inhibitors for at least three months, but most cases occurred after a year of treatment. Approximately one-quarter of these cases required discontinuation of proton pump inhibitor treatment in addition to magnesium supplementation. It is not understood why long-term proton pump inhibitor treatment sometimes results in hypomagnesemia. The FDA has recommended that healthcare providers consider obtaining serum magnesium levels before their patients begin treatment with prescription proton pump inhibitors. The agency said they should also consider periodic testing if patients are also being treated with medications such as digoxin, diuretics or drugs that may cause hypomagnesemia. In digoxin patients especially, low magnesium can increase the likelihood of serious side effects.
How Much Are the Prilosec Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?
Currently, Prilosec lawsuits are still ongoing and as such there’s no way to know exactly how much your Prilosec lawsuit might settle for. However, Prilosec manufacturer AstraZeneca has had to pay out millions of dollars in the past for deceptive advertisements related to their pharmaceuticals.
Prilosec Lawsuit Update?
In recent years, there have been over 13,000 lawsuits filed against Prilosec and Nexium manufacturers. The lawsuits have been combined and the gathering of evidence and national discovery is currently taking place in New Jersey so it can be presented before a federal judge.
Frequently Asked Question About Prilosec Side Effects
Is Prilosec Being Taken Off the Market?
As of this time there are no plans to remove Prilosec from the market.
What is the Generic Name for Prilosec?
The generic name for Prilosec is Omeprazole.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects for Prilosec?
A study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Yu-Xiao Yang concluded that higher dosages and prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec can drastically affect the body’s ability to absorb calcium, making those who do so much more likely for hip, wrist, and spine fractures.
What Are the Side Effects for Proton Pump Inhibitor Drugs Like Prilosec (Omeprazole) and Zegerid?
- Increased risk of a hip, wrist, or spine fractures
- Interference with the blood-clotting properties of Plavix
- Increased risk of serious cardiac event following a heart attack
- Nausea
- Gas
- Headache
- Vomiting
Does Prilosec Cause Stroke or Heart Attack?
A study published in September 2010 found that of over 56,000 Danish patients discharged after a heart attack, those who had at least one prescription for a proton pump inhibitor had a 29 percent increased risk of cardiovascular death or re-hospitalization for a heart attack or stroke in the 30 days after discharge compared with those who did not receive such a drug.
Does Prilosec Cause Kidney Damage?
A study conducted in February 2016 and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that taking proton pump inhibitor drugs like Prilosec can have a 20-50 percent increased chance for chronic kidney disease.