Proctor & Gamble is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) from patients alleging serious Prilosec side effects.

One of the most recent claims comes from an Arkansas woman, alleging Prilosec side effects caused her to develop kidney failure. The woman claims that the pharmaceutical company either knew or should have known about the risk of Prilosec side effects, and have disclosed this information to the public.

Plaintiff Sherry K. is filing this Prilosec lawsuit, alleging the medication’s treatment mechanism caused her permanent kidney damage. Sherry had first began using Prilosec OTC in 2008 for typical treatment purposes (like heartburn) up until 2015. She allegedly stopped after discovering kidney damage was linked to Prilosec side effects.

According to the Prilosec lawsuit, Sherry was diagnosed with acute kidney disease on Dec. 29, 2014, and later with chronic kidney disease on March 27, 2015. Sherry says she has since been forced to undergo serious treatment and has had to contend with the impact kidney disease has had on her life.

Sherry opted to file legal action against Proctor & Gamble, Prilosec’s manufacturer, after discovering the company may have known about Prilosec side effects being potentially linked to kidney disease.

Overview of Prilosec Side Effects

Prilosec is a part of the very popular medication class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), drugs typically used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux. These medications work by limiting the amount of stomach acid secreted from the gastrointestinal tract, which will minimize the symptoms.

Patients can either be prescribed these medications or buy over-the-counter (OTC) variants, and do not typically expect any serious adverse reactions. However, recent studies have suggested PPIs may increase the risk for kidney damage, with the FDA requiring a label change for Nexium to include interstitial nephritis in late 2014.

One of the most recent studies to indicate this correlation was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, which compared patients taking PPIs and histamine H2 receptor blockers. The study found a 96% increased risk of kidney failure in PPI patients, as well as a 28% increased risk of chronic kidney disease compared to the control group.

This was not the first study to indicate a link between PPIs and kidney problems; a study published in JAMA showed similar results. Even though Proctor & Gamble was supposedly aware of these studies and the FDA order for Nexium’s warning label, plaintiffs say the company allegedly failed to disclose this information to the public.

At all times relevant, Sherry had used Prilosec according to prescription instructions and her physician’s advice, not deviating from the drug’s intended purpose. Even with this diligence, she still experienced devastating Prilosec side effects that may have caused her permanent kidney damage.

Sherry states she would not have taken the medication if she had known about the potential Prilosec kidney connection. Sherry’s lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2789, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar Prilosec side effects.

By joining an MDL, Sherry’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and avoid issues like conflicting rulings from different judges. Sherry is filing her Prilsoec lawsuit seeking multiple damages, including negligence and failure to warn.

This Prilosec Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-11524-CCC-MF, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.