Anyone who has been taking medications flagged with a potential risk for developing stomach cancer should be mindful of the possible early symptoms. Numerous research studies have made a connection between PPIs and stomach cancer.

If you are concerned about the risks PPIs and stomach cancer, discuss the possible symptoms of stomach cancer with the help of a medical professional. While most PPIs might not present a serious risk of stomach cancer when used over the short term, long-term and continuous usage of these medications could increase a patient’s risk.

Who is at Risk for Stomach Cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, patients who have a family history of stomach cancer, a diet low in vegetables and fruits, a current infection with helicobacter pylori and long-term stomach inflammation are most at risk for developing the disease.

Over the past couple decades, rates of cancer where the top part of the stomach connects with the lower part of the swallowing tube have become much more common.

What are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

Some of the most common symptoms of stomach cancer include:

• Persistent vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Fatigue
• Severe indigestion
• Unexplained nausea

If somone using these popular heartburn medications experiences any of these symptoms or signs, they should consider scheduling a consultation with their doctor.

Are Heartburn Drugs More Likely to Cause Stomach Cancer?

Millions of U.S. residents already take proton pump inhibitors. Prevacid, Nexium and Prilosec are popular PPIs. These medications are used to treat ulcers, heartburn and other gastrointestinal issues linked with high acid production. However, recent studies have shown that long-term use of these popular drugs comes with an increased risk of death.

The most commonly recommended regimen for PPI medication is up to eight weeks for ulcers. However, many patients end up taking these drugs regularly for much longer.

Which PPI Users are Most Likely to Develop Stomach Cancer?

Research from Washington University in St. Louis in 2017 indicates that the risk for developing stomach cancer in patients taking PPIs such as Nexium was linked to how often and how long these drugs were taken. The study found that a patient’s risk of developing stomach cancer was further increased if they were exposed to the drug for longer periods of time or at higher doses, or both. Because of this risk, it’s important that patients only take the medication for as long as medically necessary for the condition in question to be treated.

The study found that someone taking drugs like Nexium could have a two to eight times higher risk of stomach cancer. The risks were statistically significant for those people infected with H. pylori. This was a bacterium commonly connected to stomach cancer.

Those patients who may have begun to show the early signs of stomach cancer or are experiencing unexplained symptoms should report these to their medical professional immediately.

Can I File a PPI Stomach Cancer Lawsuit?

More and more plaintiffs are coming forward with allegations of stomach cancer, kidney damage and other complications after using PPI medications like Nexium and Prilosec. Lawsuits allege that patients were not adequately warned about the risks of taking PPI drugs.

If you or someone you love has suffered from serious side effects like stomach cancer after taking a PPI medication like Nexium or Prilosec, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these side effects, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially after a serious diagnosis like stomach cancer, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.