Prilosec and Interstitial Nephritis

The anti-heartburn drug Prilosec has been linked to an increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis, a sudden and severe type of kidney inflammation that can lead to kidney failure.

Need a Texas Prilosec Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with nephritis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Overview

Prilosec is an antacid medication made by AstraZeneca. It is available over-the-counter, which is why many people assume it is safe. The problem is that Prilosec has been linked to severe kidney side effects, including nephritis, with both short-term and long-term use.

FDA Updates Warning Labels

In December 2014, the FDA update the label on Prilosec to include stronger warnings about acute interstitial nephritis, which is a hypersensitivity reaction that can occur at any time.

Studies Linking Prilosec and Nehpritis

Prilosec belongs to the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class of anti-heartburn drugs. In recent years, several studies have associated these drugs with kidney disease. In April 2015, long-term treatment with PPIs was linked to a tripled increased risk of interstitial nephritis in a study published by CMAJ Open, based on data from 290,000 adults in Ontario.

Prilosec and Kidney Disease

More recently, this study found a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease from PPIs. Another study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found a 46% increased risk of chronic kidney disease from twice-daily use of PPIs.

What is Acute Interstitial Nephritis?

Acute interstitial nephritis is a kidney disease that is usually caused by an allergic reaction to medications in the bloodstream. The kidneys clean the blood and tiny structures called tubules reabsorb water. Interstitial nephritis causes inflammation and swelling in the spaces between tubules, which decreases kidney function.

Symptoms of Nephritis

• Blood in the urine
• Fever
• Increased or decreased urine output
• Mental status changes (drowsiness, coma, confusion)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rash
• Swelling of the body
• Weight gain from retaining fluid

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are over 100 medications known to cause nephritis. Patients who stop taking the medication within a couple weeks of developing nephritis will usually recover near-normal kidney function in a few weeks. However, severe cases can lead to permanent kidney problems — or even kidney failure.

Need a Prilosec Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Prilosec lawyers for a free lawsuit review.