The Dangerous Side Effects of Heartburn Medications
Heartburn and acid reflux are common problems—millions of Americans rely on medications to manage their symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), one of the most widely used treatments, are available both over the counter and by prescription. But despite their popularity, these medications can come with serious and sometimes long-term health risks.
More than 15 million people in the U.S. use PPIs each year, generating over $10 billion annually in sales. However, research has linked these heartburn medications to a wide range of side effects, including kidney disease, bone fractures, and even birth defects. If you’re taking prescription heartburn medicine, you need to understand heartburn medication dangers—and what your legal rights could be if you’ve suffered harm.
Popular Proton Pump Inhibitor Drugs
Proton pump inhibitor drugs are available over the counter or by prescription as a pill or liquid ingested orally. The most popular of these PPI drugs would be Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole) with $218 million – $300 million dollars in annual sales respectively. Some of the other popular PPI drugs include:
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
- Zegerid (omeprazole)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Aciphex (rabeprazole)
What Are Proton Pump Inhibitors?
The primary function of a proton pump inhibitor is to reduce the production of gastric acid which, in turn, helps reduce the heartburn the acid can cause. Proton pump inhibitors have also been used to help with a myriad of other medical conditions such as:
- Barrett’s Esophagus – Damage to the lower portion of the tube that connects the mouth and stomach
- Gastritis – Any group of conditions in which the stomach lining is inflamed
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipelining
- Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) – A sore that develops on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome – A condition in which one or more tumors form in your pancreas or the upper part of your small intestine
- Dyspepsia – Indigestion
- Gastrinomas – A tumor in the pancreas or duodenum that secretes an excess of gastrin, leading to ulceration in the duodenum, stomach, and small intestine
Short-Term Side Effects of PPIs
Proton pump inhibitors gained traction as a remedy for heartburn since they have minimal short-term side-effects, including:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Itching
- Flatulence
- Constipation
However, upon closer study, researchers determined that while the short-term side effects were minimal, there was a slew of possible long-term health risks that could develop. Therefore the FDA has recommended no more than three 14-day treatment courses in a one-year time period.
Long-Term Side Effects of Acid Reflux Medications
Long-term use of heartburn medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes. Blocking stomach acid can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12. This can have widespread effects on different organs and systems, increasing the risk of:
Kidney Problems
Studies published in journals like JAMA Internal Medicine have shown that PPIs may raise the risk of chronic kidney disease by as much as 20–50%. Patients often don’t experience symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Conditions include:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Neurological Issues
There is growing concern over the link between long-term PPI use and neurological disorders. Reduced absorption of nutrients may contribute to:
- Dementia
- Confusion or memory loss
- Mood changes
Increased Risk of Infections
By reducing stomach acid, PPIs can allow harmful bacteria to thrive. This can lead to infections such as:
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
- Pneumonia
- Salmonella and E. coli-related illnesses
Bone Fractures
Chronic PPI use may reduce calcium absorption, leading to weaker bones. The FDA has warned that prolonged use may increase the risk of:
- Hip fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Spine fractures
Pregnancy and Birth Defects
A study from the University of Pennsylvania found a possible link between first-trimester PPI use and congenital heart defects. Babies exposed to PPIs during early pregnancy were nearly twice as likely to develop heart defects, particularly septal defects—holes in the walls separating the heart chambers.
If you took heartburn medications during pregnancy and your child was born with a heart condition, it’s important to speak with a qualified attorney.
In a Proton Pump Inhibitor Claim, Who Is Liable?
The liability of any drug injury claim can vary from case to case. The nature of the injuries, how the drug was obtained, and other facts can change the nature of the case. The various ways someone can be held liable for your drug injuries include:
- Product liability: When any product injures consumers due to defects in design or manufacturing, the manufacturer is obligated to pay compensation for these injuries. In addition to the manufacturer, distributors and retailers can also face liability for getting the dangerous product to the injured consumer.
- Dangerous side effects: Almost every medication comes with the possibility of side effects, and while drug manufacturers are not expected to eliminate all possible side effects, they must properly label their products and adequately warn consumers about them. In some cases, manufacturers actually attempt to conceal the possibility of side effects.
- Improper marketing: Improper marketing can consist of packaging, branding, warnings, and counseling about a medication. A manufacturer, sales representative, doctor, or pharmacist can provide counseling about a medication.
The Manufacturer May Not Be the Only One at Fault
It is also important to know exactly who will be held liable for any damages sustained by a drug like a proton pump inhibitor. It’s not as simple as pointing fingers at the company credited with making the product. A product has to move down a chain of several businesses, or a “stream of commerce.” Any or all of the businesses in this stream leading to the customer could be held liable.
These could include the manufacturer, distributor, or retail sales location that finally gets the product into the consumer’s hands. Examples of parties that could be held liable for damages you sustained from taking drugs like proton pump inhibitors include:
- Testing laboratories
- Pharmaceutical sales representatives
- Physicians
- Medical facilities
- Pharmacies or pharmacists
What You Can Do If You’ve Been Harmed
If you or a loved one developed kidney issues, suffered bone fractures, or had a child with a heart defect after using acid reflux medication, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
These cases are complex, and pharmaceutical companies have powerful legal teams. But you don’t have to fight alone.
Contact an Experienced Drug Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have suffered from any of the aforementioned conditions and have taken proton pump inhibitor drugs in the past, do not hesitate to contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for a free consultation. Our skilled lawyers have experience in assisting in drug injury claims and getting clients the compensation they deserve.
Feel free to contact us with any questions. You can reach us in one of three ways:
- Call us at (833) 606-DRUG [3784].
- Complete our online contact form.
- Click the Live Chat button in the bottom right corner of this page.
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/florida-drug-injury-lawyer/
