A recent study suggests that kidney problems have been a side effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for years, even though the FDA only mandated a drug label update in December 2014.

Patients and doctors have been concerned over Nexium and acute interstitial nephritis, or acute inflammation of the kidneys, for the past few years, with other proton pump inhibitors allegedly linked to kidney problems.

According to the study, popular proton pump inhibitors and their associated kidney problems (like Nexium and acute interstitial nephritis respectively) have been around since 1992.

The first inquiry of this link was conducted that year, after it was discovered that patients developed acute interstitial nephritis after PPI use.

Later studies have indicated similar findings, such as the study published in the May 2006 edition of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The scientists concluded there was a high probability of kidney disease after using proton pump inhibitors, and that ignoring the correlation could prove deadly for many patients.

Even though this side effect of proton pump inhibitors had been discovered over a decade before the FDA warning, the alleged link between Nexium and acute interstitial nephritis was not announced until much later.

Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen had petitioned the FDA to add a black box warning to proton pump inhibitors in August 2011, regarding their link to acute interstitial nephritis and other serious complications.

Even with the tremendous concern surrounding proton pump inhibitors, the FDA had still not added the warning until three years later. It is currently unknown why the warnings were not required earlier.

Overview of Proton Pump Inhibitor Kidney Problems

Ever since the 2014 FDA warning, there have been several inquires exploring the alleged link between Nexium and acute interstitial nephritis.

A more recent study published in the Journal of American Society of Nephrology on April 14, 2016, had found that patients taking Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors had significantly higher chances of kidney failure.

In fact, the study found that patients taking these medications had a 96% increased risk of developing kidney failure compared to the control group.

The control group had been taking H2 receptor blockers, with the proton pump inhibitors carrying a greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Acute interstitial nephritis often leads to kidney failure, which can be deadly if not treated promptly.

Patients worried over Nexium and acute interstitial nephritis should look out for any symptoms of kidney problems including: anemia, weak bones, liver damage, seizure, and other unusual side effects.

Approximately 15 million Americans are estimated to be taking proton pump inhibitors, so it is important patients and doctors be aware of any potential side effects.

Patients taking proton pump inhibitors and believe they are suffering from kidney damage may be eligible for legal action, and should contact a specialized lawyer.