According to research and reports, Prilosec, a popular heartburn medication, may be one of many potential causes of kidney failure.

Prilosec, one of several heartburn medications called proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) is used by millions of Americans. In 2013 alone, approximately 15 million prescriptions were filled for a variety of PPI drugs.

Since Prilosec, one of the most popular PPI drugs, is available without a prescription, the number of Americans taking PPI medication each year is actually much higher.

PPI drugs are most commonly used as heartburn treatment, but are often also used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

Prilosec Side Effects

Most side effects of Prilosec are mild, and generally go away on their own without further treatment. However, if any of these mild side effects worsen or persist, seek medical attention.

Minor Prilosec problems include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Unusual drowsiness

More serious Prilosec complications can be signs of danger, including being one of the causes of kidney failure, so patients should seek medical attention if they develop these side effects:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
• Persistent fever
• Blood/mucus in stool
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency (weakness, sore tongue, numbness)

Prilosec side effects may also include a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of such a reaction include:

• Rash, itching/swelling (especially in the face, tongue, or throat)
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Kidney problems

Prilosec Kidney Problems

PPIs , including Prilosec, have been linked in a number of studies and reports with a high risk of developing serious kidney problems, including being one of the causes of kidney failure or kidney damage.

One study from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology showed that 15 percent of PPI patients were later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, an increase from 11 percent of patients who used H2-blockers instead of PPI drugs. Kidney damage is one of the causes of kidney failure.

After accounting for outside factors that may have influenced these findings, the study indicated a 28 percent of kidney problems for PPI users when compared to patients who used other methods of heartburn treatment.

The researchers noted that the risk of suffering from kidney failure or kidney damage because of Prilosec is still relatively low in the grand scheme of things.

However, researchers said, patients who need not take Prilosec when there are safer alternatives available should avoid Prilosec altogether to simply avoid this risk.

Lawsuits Alleging PPIs as Causes  of Kidney Failure

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

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

In cases where Prilosec may be named as one of the causes of kidney failure, a free case review can be provided by an attorney to discuss legal options.