Americans commonly report experiencing heartburn, and many individuals suffer so severely that their doctors recommend prescription drugs to alleviate the condition. Unfortunately, drugs that are commonly prescribed for heartburn have been repeatedly linked to severe kidney damage in research studies. Heartburn drugs like Nexium, Prilosec, or Prevacid are proton pump inhibitors that greatly increase your chances of kidney failure and kidney disease. These drugs work by inhibiting your body’s acid pumps and halting your stomach from producing extra gastric acid. These drugs are so common that many lower dosages can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription.

Statistics indicate that around 15,000,000 Americans currently take proton pump inhibitors, and they are the third most widely used class of drugs in America. Common brand names include Nexium, Prilosec, AcipHex, Protonix, Prevacid, and Zegerid. It’s important to talk to your doctor about all the potential side-effects of any medication they recommend and ask your health care provider about alternative heartburn treatments. Certain lifestyle changes like losing weight, avoiding lying down after eating and avoiding fatty and fried foods can significantly impact heartburn symptoms without any adverse side-effects. Other alternative treatments for heartburn include antacids, h2 blockers or surgery.

Research indicates that proton pump inhibitor brands can contribute to chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, kidney failure, the need for a kidney transplant, the need for dialysis and even death. If you suspect that your prescription heartburn drug played a role in your injuries, then an experienced lawyer can help you determine if you have a legal right to pursue compensation. As a licensed member of Alabama’s Board of Nursing, attorney Karen M. Salter is uniquely qualified to represent clients injured as a result of defective prescription drugs. To learn more about how our firm can help you financially recover from your injuries, call us at 877-298-4878 or contact us via our online contact form today.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.