What Are PPIs?

Stomach acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that aids in digestion. However, when the body overproduces stomach acid or the acid makes its way into the esophagus, it can cause many uncomfortable side effects.

When the acid backs up into the esophagus, it is called acid reflux. This acid can inflame and irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and even ulcers.

Many people who experience acid reflux treat the uncomfortable condition by taking proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. PPIs work by reducing acid production by blocking an enzyme in the stomach wall that produces acid. Thus PPIs stop new ulcers from being formed and allows existing ulcers to have time to heal, according to Medicinenet.com.

Do PPIs Have Side Effects?

Although PPIs are often thought to be harmless acid reflux prevention drugs, new research indicates that these drugs linked to severe side effects, including C. diff infections, allergic reactions, pancreatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and may even cause kidney damage.

Do PPIs Cause Kidney Damage?

According to a recent study from the University of Buffalo, proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of developing kidney disease by 20 percent.

The study was published in Pharmacotherapy in March 2019 and involved research into fifteen years of medical records of 190,000 patients over the age of 15. According to the study, patients who used PPIs were 20 percent more likely to develop kidney disease, and four times more likely to experience kidney failure than people who did not use acid reflux drugs. The risks of kidney problems were the highest for people over the age of 65.

While the study is one of the first long term studies to look into the possible kidney side effects of PPIs, there has also been prior evidence indicating that these medications may cause kidney damage. There is even a growing MDL against the makers of Nexium for allegedly causing kidney damage in consumers.

Who May Be Affected by PPIs?

PPIs are one of the most common medications in the U.S. and are used by millions of people. The PPI market in the U.S. is worth billions of dollars. However, despite this widespread use, many patients who take PPIs may be doing so for no reason. According to some research, between 25 and 70 percent of PPIs are used by people with no medical indication for needing the medications.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can generally be treated with short term use of PPIs, usually 4 to 8 weeks. However, there is evidence to suggest that many patients simply never stop taking the medication. This chronic use may cause kidney damage and increase the risk of kidney failure.

Victims who have suffered from kidney damage or kidney failure due to PPIs may be able to hire an experienced attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Victims may be able to collect compensation for injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with PPI side effects.