PPIs like Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid are designed to reduce stomach acid and alleviate a number of related symptoms such as heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and esophagus inflammation. Unfortunately, the medications can also decrease the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, like magnesium.

What is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Acid is necessary for the formation of most ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and the reduction of acid with PPIs prevents ulcers and allows any ulcers that exist in the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to heal.

What You Should Know

A study published in the February 2016 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, has shown that use of PPI medications may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal failure. An examination of the medical records of over ten-thousand patients showed that for those taking PPIs, the risk of CKD increased by 20 to 50%. Another study, presented at the American Society of Nephrology meeting in the fall of 2015 had shown similar results and both indicated that the longer or more frequently the medication is taken, the greater the risk may be.

The CKD results followed a June 2015 study which showed that patients taking PPI medications may also be at a 16 to 21 percent increased risk for myocardial infarction or heart attack. In addition, PPIs have been linked to other serious adverse events such as hypomagnesemia and bone fractures. PPIs are also thought to increase the risk of acute kidney events, acquired infections and birth defects though the FDA has stated that no direct causal relationship has been confirmed.

PPI Drug List

  • Nexium
  • Acophex
  • Protonix
  • Prevacid
  • Zegerid
  • Dexilant
  • Prilosec

Injuries Resulting from Use of PPIs

  • Acute interstitial nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
  • Acute kidney injury
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • Kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Cardiac disorders
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Bone fractures (hip fracture, wrist fracture, spine fracture)
  • Broken bones
  • Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
  • Gut infections
  • Dementia
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • And more

PPI Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one were diagnosed with a kidney injury after using a PPI, you should contact The Falkowitz Law Firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a PPI lawsuit and we can help.