Prilosec, a widely used heartburn medication in the U.S., is used by millions of Americans each year.

However, Prilosec may be more dangerous than these patients thought, and it could have serious consequences.

According to new research, Prilosec safety may be questionable. There are a number of side effects that have been linked to Prilosec, ranging from mild problems to major complications.

Prilosec Background

Prilosec is one of several proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs used to treat heartburn. Around 15 million prescriptions were filled for PPI drugs in 2013, and that is only counting prescription drugs.

Prilosec is actually available without a prescription (over the counter, or OTC), which means the number of Americans taking PPI drugs each year may actually be much higher.

While PPI drugs like Prilosec are most often used to treat heartburn, they are also often used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

Prilosec Side Effects

Most Prilosec side effects are minor, and generally go away on their own. However, if any of these mild side effects worsen or persist, contact your doctor.

Minor Prilosec problems include:

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

More serious Prilosec complications can be signs of danger, so patients should seek medical attention if they develop these side effects:

• 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)

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

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

Prilosec Kidney Problems

PPIs, including Prilosec, have been linked in a number of studies and reports with a high risk of developing serious kidney problems, including kidney damage and kidney failure.

One study from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology showed that 15 percent of PPI patients were later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, up from 11 percent of patients who used H2-blockers instead of PPI drugs.

After accounting for outside factors that may have influenced these findings, the study indicated a 28 percent increased risk of kidney problems for PPI users when compared to patients who used other methods of heartburn treatment.

The researchers noted that, in the grand scheme of things, the risk of suffering from kidney failure or kidney damage because of Prilosec is still relatively low.

However, added researchers, patients who need not take Prilosec when there are safer alternatives available should avoid Prilosec altogether to simply avoid this risk.

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.