Prilosec is a heartburn medication that prohibits the excessive production and buildup of acid in the stomach.

Unfortunately, Prilosec safety has now been called into question as many patients who take this drug may be reporting potentially dangerous Prilosec side effects.

Specifically, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec may increase the risk of kidney problems and renal failure, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JSAN).

Overview of Prilosec

Prilosec, or omeprazole, is a Proton Pump Inhibitor manufactured and marketed by AstraZeneca and is prescribed to reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn.

In addition to GERD, Prilosec is also used to treat erosive esophagitis. An over the counter brand, Prilosec OTC, is available without prescription in the US for treatment of heartburn. It is now also available from generic manufacturers under various brand names.

What’s the Problem?

Prilosec and other PPI heartburn medications may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other damage to the kidneys, according to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Researchers followed 10,482 test subjects for an average of 13.9 years, comparing patients who took PPIs to non-users and to those who used another type of heartburn drug called H2 receptor antagonists (brand names Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid and others).

After adjusting for variables, the study’s authors determined that PPI use was associated with a 20-50% increased risk of CKD, while the use of H2 receptor antagonists was not linked to kidney problems.

Prilosec Side Effects

Minor Prilosec side effects include the following:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reactions
• Chest Pain
• Dark urine
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever

Major Prilosec side effects may include:

• Acute Kidney Disease
• Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN)
• Cardiac disorders
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Bone fractures (hip fracture, wrist fracture, spine fracture)
• Broken bones
• Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
• Gut infections
• Dementia
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Severe allergic reactions

Signs of Prilosec Kidney Damage

Some signs and symptoms of possible kidney damage may include, for example:

• Changes in urine (more or less frequent, pressure when urinating, color changes)
• Muscle twitching and cramping
• Bruising
• Fatigue or weakness
• Bone or back pain
• Blood in stool
• Excessive thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bad metallic taste in mouth, urine or ammonia like odor to breath
• Pale, dry and itchy skin
• Swelling, fluid retention
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling cold
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating

Is Prilosec Safe?

Unfortunately, Prilosec side effects may outweigh the benefits and many in the medical community are questioning Prilosec safety.

Some patients who take this drug, may be doing so without knowing about these potentially dangerous Prilosec side effects. Those who use Prilosec may suffer from severe kidney problems. For this reason, many people have begun to file Prilosec lawsuits.

If you or someone you love took Prilosec or another proton pump inhibitor and suffered from kidney damage or other kidney problems, or have needed dialysis or a kidney transplant, you may be entitled to compensation from a Prilosec lawsuit or settlement.

Contact a lawyer to request a free case review.