Many popular heartburn medications belong to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s). They fight and prevent the symptoms caused by excessive stomach acid that can lead to complications like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Unfortunately, the use of proton pump inhibitors has been linked to serious, averse health effects in patients. People who use heartburn medications with PPI ingredients may increase their risk of suffering from a severe bone fracture.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a proton pump inhibitor, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
Food begins to breakdown in the stomach where millions of tiny pumps produce acid in order to digest the proper nutrients. As with many people, these stomach pumps produce just enough acid to break down the recently ingested food. Unfortunately, these pumps do not function properly in everyone. In certain cases, these pumps may produces too much acid that has the potential to reflux back through the esophagus and cause heartburn. A proton pump inhibitor prevents the over production of acid from these pumps. As a result, PPI’s can be used to block heartburn or any other complication brought on by excess stomach acid reflux.
Unfortunately, patients who take proton pump inhibitor medications may unknowingly be subjecting themselves to serious, adverse health effects. People who use PPI’s for an extended period of time, or in the wrong doses can increase their risk of suffering from a severe bone fracture. Catastrophic side effects such as these have been the cause of numerous proton pump inhibitor lawsuits.
Popular Proton Pump Inhibitor Medications
The following brand name medications are proton pump inhibitors:
- Aciphex
- Prevacid
- Prilosec
- Protonix
- Vimovo
- Zegerid
- Nexium
Proton Pump Inhibitor Side Effects
Proton pump inhibitor side effects have been known to include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Chest Pain
- Dark urine
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Increased rate of bone fracture
Proton Pump Inhibitor Bone Fracture
The FDA has pleaded with the healthcare community to exercise more caution in prescribing PPI’s in light of evidence suggesting that high doses or long-term administration of the medications may increase the risk for hip, wrist, and spine fractures.
FDA Bone Fracture Warning
The FDA addressed the problem and issued a warning to consumers and health care professionals about a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with proton pump inhibitors. Future labels will include a warning that describes the risk of severe bone fractures.
The FDA’s warning and decision to revise the labeling of proton pump inhibitors are based on the Agency’s review of several epidemiological studies that reported an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine in patients using proton pump inhibitors.
“Epidemiology studies suggest a possible increased risk of bone fractures with the use of proton pump inhibitors for one year or longer, or at high doses,” said Joyce Korvick, M.D., deputy director for safety in FDA’s Division of Gastroenterology Products.
Do I have a Proton Pump Inhibitor Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in proton pump inhibitor lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by a proton pump inhibitor, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.