Antacid Prilosec kidney failure risks are better understood than ever before. After years of being thought of as a relatively benign medication, the true risks of taking Prilosec for an extended period of time are being revealed.

The American Heart Association published a study in its online edition of its May 2016 Circulation Research journal.

Researchers from the Houston Methodist Research Institute’s Cardiovascular Sciences department found that antacids in the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class such as Nexium, Prilosec and other PPIs virtually age the cells that line our blood vessels.

These medicines work by inhibiting the proton pump of a certain cell called the parietal cell, which is responsible for the final step of acid secretion in the stomach. This is how incidence of acid reflux, heartburn and GERD are controlled by PPIs.

Even though recent studies have indicated a link between Prilosec and kidney failure, patients have been known to depend upon the PPIs for years, believing the drugs were relatively harmless.

More research suggests PPIs cause acute kidney inflammation, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure.

How Prilosec Kidney Failure Is Possible

The inner lining of blood vessels is called the endothelium, made up of endothelial cells. Researchers cultured human cells and added esomeprazole, the active ingredient in Nexium.

Endolethial cell function was impaired, which affected the lining of the blood cells and caused premature aging of the cells. Alarmed researchers want the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA to warn the public of the dangers these drugs pose.

Prilosec’s active ingredient is omeprazole, a very close chemical relative of esomeprazole, and both are PPI antacids. It is believed that all PPIs cause premature aging of the lining of the blood cells, creating the environment conducive to internal bleeding and kidney failure.

Signs and symptoms of Prilosec kidney failure may include:

• Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal
• Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet
• Drowsiness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures or coma in severe cases
• Chest pain or pressure

Prilosec Kidney Failure and Other Studies

The University of Findlay College of Pharmacy published a study in 2014 that warned of PPI overuse and abuse. Many people who take PPIs do so for more than four years. Patients who have made these drugs a way of life face repercussions such as Prilosec kidney failure.

When researchers took a look at patients from the Department of Veterans Affairs, they found those who take Prilosec or other PPIs could be up to 96% more apt to develop kidney failure and 28% more likely to experience any type of chronic kidney disease after using the drugs for five years.

Prilosec Kidney Failure Lawsuits

Procter and Gamble is facing lawsuits from patients who have been diagnosed with Prilosec kidney failure.

The manufacturer is accused of not disclosing the risks of Prilosec kidney failure to the patients or even to their doctors. Most plaintiffs insist they would have not taken the drug – or not taken it for so long – if they would have known about the dangers of Prilosec kidney failure.