The popular medication Prilosec OTC is used by millions of U.S. patients each and every year to treat heartburn, but the side effects of the drug may be much more severe than patients are aware of.

A growing number of patients who take Prilosec are coming forward with complaints of significant Prilosec OTC kidney damage.

Prilosec Background

Prilosec is one of several proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs used to treat heartburn. Around 15 million prescriptions were filled for PPI drugs in the year 2013 alone, and that is only taking into account prescription drugs. Prilosec is actually available without a prescription, which means the number of Americans taking PPI drugs each year is likely significantly higher.

A recent study into Prilosec OTC kidney damage found that patients who took Prilosec or Nexium have a 96 percent increased risk of developing kidney failure, as well as a 28 percent increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. These risks are substantial, and Prilosec OTC kidney damage can have lasting consequences. Kidney damage can lead to weak bones, internal bleeding, nerve damage, liver damage, stroke, increased risk of infections, and seizures.

Researchers have noted that the risk of suffering from kidney failure or kidney damage because of Prilosec is still relatively low. However, researchers said, patients who need not take Prilosec when there are safer alternatives available should avoid Prilosec altogether to avoid this risk altogether.

Prilosec OTC Kidney Damage Lawsuit

A Louisiana plaintiff recently filed a Prilosec OTC kidney damage against manufacturer Procter & Gamble, alleging that her use of Prilosec led to significant Prilosec OTC kidney damage.

The plaintiff, Marjorie J., began taking Prilosec OTC in September 2010, and continued her usage of the medication through March 2014. Unfortunately, Marjorie was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury in 2011. According to her lawsuit, this was caused directly by her ingestion of Prilosec OTC. Marjorie’s Prilosec OTC kidney damage has also caused pain, suffering, and emotional distress, her lawsuit claims, on top of substantial medical expenses.

Marjorie decided to file a Prilosec OTC kidney damage lawsuit on Oct. 25, 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Her lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including negligence, strict products liability, breach of express and implied warranties, fraudulent misrepresentation and concealment, negligent misrepresentation, fraud and deceit, design defect, failure to warn, and several others.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Prilosec OTC Kidney Damage

While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of those who have experienced Prilosec OTC kidney damage or other side effects, it can help to compensate for the financial expenses generally incurred through medical bills.

If you or someone you love has taken Prilosec OTC and have since suffered from Prilosec OTC kidney damage or other serious Prilosec side effects, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

The Prilosec OTC Kidney Damage Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-09272-CCC-MF, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.