Updated on: 2/26/2019
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) appear to be strongly linked to patients’ increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease and other medical complications.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly-used pharmaceutical drugs that can reduce acid buildup in the stomach, thereby reducing or eliminating the uncomfortable side effect known as heartburn. PPIs are among the most commonly-prescribed medications in the United States, and although many experts believe more research needs to be conducted, early data shows a strong connection between patients who took PPIs and serious adverse health outcomes, such as chronic kidney disease.
In fact, many health experts contend that the threshold for patients obtaining PPI prescriptions is relatively low, and that large-scale general prescription and usage of PPI medications is unnecessary. Advocates for more discretionary PPI use argue that there are healthier options for avoiding or preventing heartburn that do not involve pharmaceutical medication.
PPI Study Shows Link, More Research Needed
According to Morgan E. Grams of Johns Hopkins University and his team of researchers, the fact that more than 15 million Americans used PPIs in 2013 and the industry is valued at more than $10 billion demand that more studies be conducted in order to determine if PPI use truly does cause chronic kidney disease.
“We note that our study is observational and does not provide evidence of causality,” the authors wrote. “However, a casual relationship between PPI use and [chronic kidney disease] could have a considerable public health effect given the widespread extent of use…Study findings suggest that up to 70 percent of these prescriptions are without indication and that 25 percent of long-term PPI users could discontinue therapy without developing symptoms.”
The fact that early research into the safety and efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitor medication is showing signs of a possible link to serious health complications, including chronic kidney disease and renal failure, provides the potential that the manufacturers and marketers of Proton Pump Inhibitor medication could be held liable for the injuries and other damages caused to patients who were unaware of the risks.
If you or a loved one has suffered from serious kidney injuries after taking PPIs, you may benefit from consulting with Proton Pump Inhibitor attorneys about your case. Davis Law Group offers free case evaluations to people who have been harmed by defective pharmaceutical drugs and our attorneys are investigating PPI injury claims now. Use the contact form on this page to get started with your claim.
