What are PPI Drugs?

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs used to reduce the production of gastric acid in the stomach. When the stomach produces too much gastric acid, it can enter other parts of the body such as the throat and cause irritation, ulcers and other damage. PPI drugs are often prescribed to patients that suffer from conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, and peptic or stomach ulcers. Recent studies show that the regular use of PPI drugs, including the drugs listed below, is linked to dangerous side effects that can cause severe injuries, and even death:

  • Prilosec
  • Nexium
  • Prevacid
  • Protonix
  • Dexilant

Why Are Users of PPI Drugs Suing the Manufacturers?

Studies Link PPI Drugs to Severe Side Effects and Increased Risk of Death

A study published in the February 2016 issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) showed a 20 to 50 percent increased risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease in patients taking PPI drugs like Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and Dexilant. This was confirmed by a second February 2016 study, which also suggested that the longer patients took PPI drugs, the greater their risk of developing kidney damage.

More recently, a July 2017 study conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that long term users of PPI drugs face a 24 percent increased risk of death when compared to patients taking another type of stomach acid reducing drug (H2 blockers).

The use of PPI drugs causes the following injuries:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Acute Interstitial Nephritis
  • Acute Kidney Injury
  • End Stage Renal Disease or Dialysis

Evidence Suggests Many PPI Prescriptions are Inappropriate

Studies looking at the long-term use of these heartburn drugs have revealed that many patients may have been prescribed PPI drugs unnecessarily. One study published in January of 2016 estimated that 25 to 70 percent of PPI prescriptions may have no appropriate indication for use. This means that many patients may have been needlessly exposed to the risks of this dangerous and defective class of drugs.

PPI Drugs are Widely Used Across the United States of America

PPI drugs like Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and Dexilant have been advertised as safe and effective treatments for heartburn and other gastrointestinal disorders. These drugs are some of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, with over 20 million users. This is about one out of every 14 people. They make huge profits for the companies that manufacture them, generating over $14 billion in global annual sales. Unfortunately, studies show that patients using these drugs regularly could be at risk of developing several serious health problems.


Contact The Yost Legal Group for Help

If you think you or a loved one has been harmed after using a Proton-Pump Inhibitor drug such as Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, or Dexilant, contact The Yost Legal Group for help. The Yost Legal Group is made up of dedicated, compassionate attorneys who have experience handling defective drug lawsuits.

Free consultation: Call 1-800-YOST LAW or complete the contact form below to learn more about how we can help.

Call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). When you call, you will receive a FREE, confidential consultation with one of our experienced Defective Drug lawyers. We will investigate your case and get you the compensation you deserve.  If you have questions about the effects of PPI drugs, call The Yost Legal Group. If we take your case, there is no fee or expense unless you recover.

The Yost Legal Group – Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys