Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with stomach cancer? There are a number of possible stomach cancer causes, including infection, dietary issues, and certain medications.

A recent study found a correlation between PPI drugs and stomach cancer risk. Although PPI drugs are not officially considered one of the stomach cancer causes, this correlation is something to consider and may develop into a stronger connection over time. Indeed, the study found that PPI drugs double a patient’s risk of stomach cancer.

PPI drugs have also been linked with an increased risk of kidney problems.

Stomach Cancer Causes

Pinning down stomach cancer causes can be difficult, but possible risks are important to pay attention to. Indeed, stomach cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, as well as the fifth most common cancer. Stomach cancer causes may now include the commonly used medications known as PPI drugs, according to new research.

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPI drugs, are a kind of heartburn medication, including the popular options Prilosec and Nexium. PPI drugs also include Prevacid, Protonix, and Zegerid, among others.

These drugs are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs, used to treat acid reflux, ulcers, and heartburn. Around 15 million Americans have been prescribed PPI drugs like these; however, since there are over-the-counter PPI drugs available, the actual number may be much higher.

PPI Drug Side Effects

Unfortunately, the use of PPI drugs may be connected with some serious side effects. One study, published in October 2017, found that patients taking PPI drugs like Nexium and Prilosec face an increased risk of stomach cancer. The longer patients were exposed to these drugs, the higher the risk. Exposure to PPIs may double the risk of cancer, the study found.

PPI drugs are not just potential stomach cancer causes, but have also been linked with a serious risk of kidney problems. One study found that PPI use led to a 96 percent increased risk of kidney failure, and another showed a 28 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

A growing number of patients taking PPI drugs are coming forward with reports of serious side effects. Some are even turning to litigation, alleging that their complications were caused by inadequate warning about the risks associated with these drugs.

If you or someone you love has taken Nexium, Prilosec, or other PPI drugs and have since suffered from stomach cancer or kidney problems, you may be able to file a lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of those who have experienced stomach cancer, kidney problems, or other side effects of PPI drugs, it can help to compensate for the financial expenses generally incurred through medical bills.