Does Prilosec Cause Kidney Problems?

Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors treat acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and other conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, Prilosec can cause kidney problems and potentially lead to severe illness or even reduced life expectancy. If you developed kidney disease, kidney failure, or another disease while taking Prilosec, you could have legal recourse and pursue compensation.

The risk of taking medication should never outweigh its benefits, and no drug manufacturer should be gambling with consumers’ health. If you suffered adverse health effects from Prilosec, our committed attorneys can be by your side every step of the way and fight for what you deserve. Contact us now for a free case review.

What Is Prilosec Used For?

Prilosec is an over-the-counter medication belonging to a class of drugs called “proton pump inhibitors” (PPIs). The drug contains omeprazole, which decreases the acid production in the stomach. According to the Mayo Clinic, Prilosec can treat:

• Duodenal and gastric ulcers 
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Ulcers caused by H. pylori 
• Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract 

The drug could also help to relieve the following symptoms:

• Heartburn
• Problems with swallowing
• Indigestion
• Coughing

PPIs may also heal acid damage to the esophagus and stomach and could help to prevent esophageal cancer. 

Common Side Effects From Prilosec 

Prilosec and other PPIs can cause several side effects, such as:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea 
• Nasal congestion
• Low magnesium levels

In those taking Prilosec sporadically, less serious side effects may be more common than serious side effects. Moreover, individuals taking the drug infrequently may not suffer the same side effects as those taking Prilosec in high doses daily over several years.

Prilosec Can Cause Kidney Problems

Long-term use of Prilosec can potentially cause kidney disease and kidney failure. Research suggests that individuals who had normal kidney function before using PPIs developed an increased risk of suffering from chronic kidney disease. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), using omeprazole (Prilosec) continuously is linked to developing chronic kidney disease. 

Chronic Kidney Disease

The kidneys are essential for the functioning of our bodies as they filter excess fluid and waste materials from the blood. When kidneys stop working properly or fail completely, dangerous waste builds up in the body. Chronic kidney disease can be challenging to diagnose as it is generally a “silent disease” and only shows symptoms in advanced stages. Early signs of kidney disease are usually non-specific and include:

• General fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Unintentional weight loss

Chronic kidney disease is incurable and typically progresses to kidney failure. Patients will either require frequent dialysis or an organ transplant in the late stage of the disease.

Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Acute interstitial nephritis causes swelling inside the kidney, potentially leading to permanent damage and severe health problems if left untreated. Taking PPIs can increase the risk of suffering from the condition, as acute interstitial nephritis could be linked to an allergic reaction to the medication.  

Other Serious Diseases Linked to Prilosec

Prilosec and other omeprazole-based PPIs could cause other serious diseases, including:

Polyps and Gastric Cancer

According to a study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, long-term use of PPIs could be responsible for causing stomach polyps and gastric cancer.

Heart attacks

Prilosec could elevate risks for heart attacks in those individuals taking the medication daily over several months or years. In addition, some PPIs can interfere with blood thinners and reduce their function, further putting individuals with heart disease at risk of adverse medical events such as strokes. 

Dementia

There is evidence that Prilosec and other PPIs can cross the blood-brain barrier, a membrane protecting the brain from pathogens and toxins. As a result, older patients taking PPIs over a prolonged period could be at an increased chance of developing dementia. 

Infections

Stomach acid can help to fight bacteria and viruses. Therefore, the use of Prilosec and other PPIs, reducing the production of stomach acid, could put individuals at a higher risk of suffering infections. Taking PPIs can specifically increase the risk of individuals experiencing:

Bacterial Pneumonia – The absence of sufficient stomach acid can lead to pneumonia from bacteria ingested with food. 

Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) – Bacteria not destroyed by stomach acid, such as C. diff, can stay in the digestive system and cause fever, diarrhea, and other health concerns. 

The more severe side effects, such as heart damage, stroke, and kidney failure, are generally seen in individuals who take multiple doses of PPIs over a long period. Individuals aged 50 and over, who take Prilosec regularly, also have an increased risk of suffering bone fractures. 

If you developed serious side effects due to Prilosec, you could file a lawsuit and recover compensation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can assess your case and walk you through your options for getting justice and compensation. 

You Could Have a Prilosec Case 

Injured individuals have filed thousands of lawsuits in recent years against the manufacturer of Prilosec, AstraZeneca. You could also have a case and pursue compensation if you suffered harm from taking the drug. It is important to note that suffering from an expected side effect does not automatically qualify individuals for compensation. All medicines have side effects. However, medications must be reasonably safe, and drug manufacturers must warn of all known side effects. 

Current lawsuits against the manufacturers of Prilosec and similar PPIs allege that drugmakers knew of the potentially harmful side effects, such as kidney failure, but failed to warn consumers. In the case of Prilosec, manufacturer AstraZeneca stands accused of having known the drug’s potential kidney toxicity for an entire decade without warning consumers of the risks. 

When powerful multinational corporations want to maximize profits without considering their consumers’ health or lives, Morgan & Morgan steps in. We fight for the people. Get in touch with us today to determine whether you have a case.