Heartburn medications like Nexium and Prilosec have long dominated the market for treatment of gastrointestinal related problems.

However a recent study has highlighted the possible overuse of such drugs, further linking heartburn medications with kidney failure.

Nexium and Prilosec belong to a class of heartburn medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs which treat heartburn and acid reflux by lowering the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Heartburn medications like these are commonly sold both by prescription and over the counter.

In recent years, however, heartburn medications have been linked with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. According to one study, 15 percent of all PPI heartburn medication users developed chronic kidney disease.

Over time, the longer a patient takes the PPI, the risk of developing kidney disease increases.

Heartburn Medications Study Findings

Because of this increased risk, researchers from Saudi Arabia completed a study regarding frequent prescription of PPI heartburn medications.

Published in the JAASP, the Journal of Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy, this study focused on doctors in Saudi Arabia. However, the findings raise questions about the frequency of use in the U.S. market.

In 2013 alone, PPI heartburn medications were prescribed to over 15 million Americans. This number does not take into account the millions of other users who purchase Nexium or Prilosec over the counter.

The Saudi Arabian study found that heartburn medications like Nexium and Prilosec are prescribed for “off-label” uses between 40% and 70% of the time. Essentially, PPIs are only being prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease only a portion of the time.

This study looked at new PPI users at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia over a 8 week period of time. The 114 patients ranged from 13 to 96 years of age.

One-third of off-label prescriptions for PPI heart medications in this study were for cardiovascular disorders such as acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation or heart failure. About 11% of off-label prescriptions were for neurological problems.

Prescriptions for trauma and prescriptions for respiratory ailments accounted each for an additional 10% of the off-label prescriptions.

In essence if PPI heart medications are being over-prescribed and frequently prescribed for uses not approved by the FDA, it is likely that the risk of adverse effects, including kidney disease and kidney failure, will also increase.

An older study, published in the medical journal JAMA found an increased risk of chronic kidney disease with use of PPI heartburn medications.

It found that Nexium, Prilosec and other PPI heartburn medication users can face a 50 percent higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease when compared to those who do not use heartburn medications.

The study found that PPIs may contribute to recurrent acute kidney injury which may lead to kidney disease and kidney failure.

If you or someone you know experienced kidney problems after taking heartburn medications such as Nexium or Prilosec, you may qualify to file a heartburn medications lawsuit.