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Researchers Find Extended Use of Heartburn Drugs Tied to Kidney Damage

According to a study recently published in Kidney International, the prolonged use of certain heartburn drugs is tied to an increased risk of kidney damages.

Kidney International is the official journal of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), a global not-for-profit membership-based society comprised of about 9,000 members representing 129 countries from around the globe. Since the organization was formed in 1960, the ISN has worked to provide medical professionals across the world with awareness-generating efforts, meetings, publications and more in order to better combat kidney diseases and damage.

During their study, researchers found that the use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is associated with progression to end-stage renal disease, incident chronic kidney disease and an increased risk of acute kidney injury. In the study, the use of PPIs, sold to the public under names like Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid was compared to the use of H2 blockers like Pepcid and Zantac. Over a five-year stretch, researchers discovered that the 125,596 PPI users included in the study were at a higher risk for acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease than H2 blocker users.

An estimated 15 million Americans use prescription PPI medications to treat their acid reflux and heartburn, and experts have expressed concern over the fact that patients who suffer from kidney issues may not experience warning signs that would alert them to the issue. University of Southern California professor of Medicine and Engineering Dr. David Agus commented about this on CBS This Morning in late February, saying that:

“Chronic kidney disease is not one that has symptoms or signs until it’s too late. So obviously worrisome,” he said. “These were the prescription brands but they’re also available over-the-counter. And over-the-counter, classically, people aren’t even checked for kidney problems.”

Dangerous and previously unreported side effects of drugs and medical devices can cause serious issues for patients simply looking to recover. If you were seriously injured due to a defective drug, you may be able to file a lawsuit to secure compensation to cover any medical bills or damages you may have incurred. Contact our drug and medical device injury attorneys at Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC by calling us to discuss your case today, or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation.

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