Prilosec & Nexium Lawsuit Lawyer

July 26, 2017 - Counterclaims in PPI Study Funded by Big Pharma:

For millions of Americans, heartburn is a discomfort that they have learned to live with. Many reach for over-the-counter medications like Prilosec and Nexium for relief. Yet, when a recent study noted a correlation between these medications and dementia, the public health alarm bells rang out. However, Forbes reports that a new study might indicate no correlation between these medications and the degenerative condition.

The original study, which was published in JAMA Neurology last year, showed a strong correlation between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are used by millions of Americans to treat a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers, and dementia. The JAMA study included more than 70,000 participants aged 75 or older, all of whom were patients from a German statutory health insurer. When compared to patients who did not receive PPI medication, those who did receive PPI medication showed a higher incidence of dementia.

The latest study, which was published in the Gastroenterology, was an analysis from a larger study. The participants, 14,000 in total, were in a study titled the Nurses Health Study II. Participants completed cognitive function tests. Decreased scores on these tests would indicate the early stages of dementia. Women who tested to have decreased cognitive function had been taking PPIs for between 9 and 14 years, which qualified as “long term use.” However, the study did not conclude that there was a correlation between PPI use and decreased cognitive function.  

In the first study, it is important to note that “correlation does not equal causation.” In the second study, it is of equally important to note that its authors have clear ties to the pharmaceutical companies that make PPIs.

While there may be a hint towards a problem linking PPIs and dementia, there is no cause for alarmist headlines. There is, however, sufficient cause for further study.

Have you been injured by taking a prescription or over-the-counter PPI? Contact the law offices of John Foy & Associates. Our experienced attorneys will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today.     

July 5, 2017 - Prilosec Study Shows Massive Increase in Early Deaths:

A new study done by the Washington University School of Medicine gives further evidence about the dangers of proton pump inhibitor drugs like Prilosec. News4Jax.com reported on the story.

While the study didn’t prove a definitive link, it is yet another study that shows the dangers of these drugs. The scientists wanted to know if the side effects people reported while on PPIs lead to earlier deaths. They compared people on PPIs with people who took no drugs and with people who took other types of heartburn medication.

The results were pretty clear. Compared to both groups, people on PPIs had a 25% increased chance of early death from their side effects. There was evidence that PPIs can actually change the DNA of the body over time and cause serious issues as a result. The study recommended that PPIs should only be used in emergencies and other forms of heartburn medication should be used for long-term care.

We believe that one day proton pump inhibitor drugs will be seen as dangerous. Right now, millions of people are taking this type of medication. Once studies prove the dangers of these drugs, there are sure to be massive class action lawsuits against the makers of Prilosec and other PPI drugs.

If you’ve experienced negative health effects from Prilosec or another PPI, speak with our attorneys. We’re ready to work with you to file a lawsuit. Contact us today for a free consultation.

May 18, 2016 - Nexium and Similar Meds May Accelerate Blood Vessel Aging:

Millions of people suffer from heartburn. To alleviate their condition, many turn to popular over-the-counter medications like Nexium. However, a recent study shows that it is possible that medications like Nexium may cause accelerated aging of blood vessel cells.

Blood vessel cells exposed to the antacid Nexium (esomeprazole) aged faster, which might hinder the tasks these cells perform to prevent heart attack and stroke.

This might offer an explanation as to why people using protein pump inhibitor medications like Nexium and Prilosec show increased risk of heart disease in some studies.

The senior author of the study, John Cooke, stated: “Our finding that the lining of blood vessels is impaired by proton pump inhibitors is a unifying mechanism for the reports that PPI users are at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and renal failure.”

AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Nexium, released a statement taking note that the study was conducted in a laboratory setting. The study did not include humans in a controlled clinical trial. They also noted that PPIs were safe when used in accordance with the label.

However, many people do not take PPIs in accordance with the dosing guidelines. In the case of Nexium, there is a limit to a four-week course of treatment spread out over three times a year.

People use these medications outside the guidelines for long-term treatment of heartburn.

In the study, Cooke and his colleagues cultured the cells that line the walls of blood vessels. These cultures were then exposed to daily doses of Nexium in a similar dose to what a patient would receive. The cells produce substances that relax the blood vessel and create a “Teflon” like coating that prevents plaque or blood clots from sticking.

Researchers found that long-term PPI exposure interrupted the production of the acid used to clear waste products from the bloodstream. Once exposed to PPIs these cells did not produce enough acid to clear the waste.

The bottom line is that if you are taking a PPI, you should check with your doctor to ensure that you really need it. Lifestyle adjustments to diet and exercise can help to reduce heartburn symptoms.

If you have suffered complications or injury you believe may be related to taking a PPI drug like Nexium or Prilosec, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the law offices of John Foy & Associates. Our “Strong Arm” attorneys will assist you. Contact us today.

April 16, 2016 - Prilosec and Nexium Linked to Dementia:

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. 

April 16, 2016 - Heartburn Drugs Tied to Kidney Damage:

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has indicated that long term usage of drugs to treat acid reflux, heartburn and ulcers may also lead to an increased risk of potential damage to the kidneys.

The study analyzed information obtained from the VA databases and identified 170,000 new users of PPIs, like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid, and then compared those to some 20,000 new users of histamine H2 receptor blockers, an alternative class of drugs that are used to suppress stomach acid.

The five-year study indicated that 15 percent of people using PPIs were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, as opposed to 11 percent of those on the H2 receptor blockers. Factors such as age, additional health issues were taken into consideration and those taking the PPI’s had a 28 percent increased risk of developing kidney disease after taking the drugs. This comes after a similar study done by Johns Hopkins University that was published earlier this year in JAMA Internal Medicine.

While neither study proves a cause and effect relationship, the result indicates that therapies which make use of PPI’s should only be undertaken when medically necessary, and should only be taken for the minimum amount of time according to the author of the report, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly of the Clinical Epidemiology Center at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System.

Dr. Kenneth R. DeVault, said in an interview with CBS News, that while the risk for kidney damage is still relatively low. The study also indicated that some gastroenterologists have shown reluctance in prescribing PPI’s because of problems which include bone fractures and the potential for infections. Dr. DeVault also warns patients that before discontinuing the drug they need to consult with their doctor.

Many people in the United States suffer from gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, indigestion, and ulcers. The drugs Prilosec and Nexium have been a popular choice by physicians to help their patients address these issues. As with many drugs, however, there are potential side effects after long-term use. Some of these can be even greater than the original health issues were before taking these drugs.

If you or a loved one has suffered chronic kidney disease, a kidney injury, broken bones or any other serious problem while taking Prilosec or Nexium, call the attorneys at John Foy & Associates. We are experienced at handling medical cases like your and we want to help. You may be eligible for financial compensation that could help in paying your medical bills, pay you lost while being off the job, as well as long-term and ongoing medical treatment. We charge you no money unless we get you a financial recovery. Contact us today at 104-620-34894 to schedule a free consultation about your case.