According to a steadily growing number of reports from studies and patients, Prilosec, a popular heartburn medication, has been linked with a serious Prilosec kidney failure side effect.

Prilosec Basics

Prilosec is one of a number of popular heartburn medications known as proton-pump inhibitors (PPI).

These drugs are used by millions of Americans every year; in 2013 alone, around 15 million individual prescriptions were filled for PPI drugs.

Of the proton-pump inhibitors currently available, Prilosec is one of the most popular.

In fact, since Prilosec is available without a prescription, the number of Americans who actually take PPI drugs each year is much higher than the 15 million prescriptions filled.

PPI drugs are generally used to treat heartburn, but are also commonly used for acid reflux and stomach ulcer treatment.

Prilosec Kidney Problems

A number of studies and consumer reports have linked PPIs, including Prilosec, with a heightened risk of developing kidney problems, including a potential Prilosec kidney failure side effect.

A study from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology showed a significant link between these drugs and the possibility of experiencing a dangerous Prilosec kidney failure side effect.

The study indicated that 15 percent of PPI patients were later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

This is an increase from patients that chose to take H2-blockers, an alternative to PPI drugs, only 11 percent of whom were later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

Taking into account and adjusting for outside factors, the study found that PPI users experienced about a 28 percent increased risk of a Prilosec kidney failure side effect than patients who used other methods of treatment.

Researchers did note that while the risk of developing a severe Prilosec kidney failure side effect is still relatively low, patients who need not take Prilosec when there are safer alternatives available should avoid Prilosec altogether to simply avoid this risk.

Other Prilosec Side Effects

The majority of Prilosec side effects are mild, generally going away on their own without further treatment.

However, some side effects can persist or worsen, which indicates a need to seek medical attention.

The mild side effects of Prilosec include:

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

If patients taking Prilosec notice more serious problems, like those listed below, this may be a sign of further complications.

• 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)

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

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

Filing a Prilosec Lawsuit

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.