Many Americans can relate to the pain and discomfort caused by heartburn and acid reflux, and many are thankful that there are a number of over-the-counter medications to combat these conditions.

Nexium and Prilosec are two common heartburn medications that are available both direct to consumers over-the-counter as well as in a stronger prescription form available with a physician’s referral.

These two medications are in a class called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. Proton pump inhibitors work by reducing the amount of acid that is produced in the body. With less acid present, the effects of acid on the body are diminished.

Consumers often erroneously assume that medications sold over-the-counter are safe and carry little risk. Research published in the last few years, however, has implied that proton pump inhibitors may damage the kidneys.

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Acute Interstitial Nephritis

A study published in the Indian Journal of Nephrology in 2013 found heartburn drugs linked to acute interstitial nephritis in patients.

The authors of the study set out to determine whether heartburn drugs were linked to interstitial nephritis and reviewed four case studies to evaluate a potential association.

The first case involved a 49-year-old woman who followed up with her physician regarding her hypothyroidism, bronchial asthma and acid peptic disease, also known as a stomach ulcer. She had been taking a PPI medication for eight weeks prior to her visit.

Her urinalysis revealed abnormal renal function and an ultrasound of her kidneys showed that they were enlarged. Additionally, a biopsy showed inflammation of the interstitial lining of the kidney.

The second case involved a 53-year-old female who was taking a PPI inhibitor linked to her nausea. Her blood tests indicated abnormal renal function which required her to submit to hemodialysis for four days. Her kidney biopsy also indicated acute interstitial nephritis.

The third case involved a 22-year-old male who had taken a PPI for his dyspepsia, more commonly known as indigestion. Upon receiving blood results indicating abnormal kidney function, the young man also received hemodialysis. His kidney biopsy reflected acute interstitial nephritis was present.

The fourth case described a 68-year-old female who was prescribed a PPI for indigestion for the the preceding three weeks. Her lab tests indicated kidney problems and her renal biopsy showed acute interstitial nephritis.

In all four cases, the patients stopped the use of the proton pump inhibitor medications. After the heartburn drugs were stopped and other treatments were instituted, three patients regained normal kidney function after a period of time; one patient remains with residual kidney impairment.

Though the study authors acknowledged that heartburn drugs being linked to acute interstitial nephritis was a rare side effect, the findings continue to be important because of the severe nature of the kidney involvement.

The authors also stated that heartburn drugs linked to acute interstitial nephritis is likely under-recognized and under-treated since its symptoms are nonspecific.

In those cases where the physician may suspect acute interstitial nephritis, the researchers suggest that the physician have the patient cease heartburn drug therapy and perform a renal biopsy to determine if acute renal nephritis is present.

Patients becoming aware of the new information regarding the risk of kidney damage that is increased with Nexium and Prilosec use are often left feeling that the drug manufacturers did not do enough to warn them of these potential complications.

If you developed acute interstitial nephritis, kidney damage or kidney failure following the use of proton inhibitor medications like Nexium and Prilosec, you may qualify for legal compensation. An attorney can review your case at no charge to you and can assist you in determining your options to take legal action.