En Español
A recent report from a team of German researchers states that a popular class of medications that are used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux may increase dementia in some elderly patients.
The report, published on February 15 of this year in the journal JAMA Neurology studied the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, include such prescription drugs as Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid, which provide a way for patients to lower the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
The German research team says that patients in the study who were 75 or older and who regularly take the medications had a 44 percent increased risk of developing dementia compared to patients in the same age group who did not take those medications.
The author of the report, Britta Haenisch, from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn said in a statement; “To evaluate cause-and-effect relationships between long-term PPI use and possible effects on cognition in the elderly, randomized, prospective clinical trials are needed.”
Haenisch also said that in the meantime, “Clinicians should follow guidelines for PPI prescription, to avoid overprescribing PPIs and inappropriate use.”
The makers of these popular pharmaceuticals are directly responsible for serious health conditions caused by these drugs and should have known about all potential side effects of the drugs before marketing them. They should also have informed doctors so that they could inform their patients of the potential health risks such as chronic kidney disease, renal failure or other health problems.
If you or someone you love has suffered c health issues such as broken bones, kidney disease or other serious problem while taking Prilosec or Nexium, give the law offices of John Foy & Associates a call today.
Our law firm has some of the most experienced attorneys in the country and we can help in medical cases involving Prilosec and Nexium just like yours. You may be entitled to financial compensation for any medical bills, lost wages for having been off the job or ongoing medical costs. Call us to schedule a FREE consultation.
