Prilosec Side Effects
Our proton pump inhibitor lawyers are presently investigating claims involving Prilosec, a popular prescription medication used to treat heartburn. However, according to studies Prilosec and other PPI medications may block calcium absorption, weakening bones and increasing the likelihood of wrist, spine, and hip fractures.
Prilosec, manufactured and marketed by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, is a prescription medication used to reduce the symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease, or heartburn. While Prilosec has been effective in treating heartburn, it has also been linked to severe side effects. A December 2006 study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that prolonged or heavy Prilosec use significantly increases the risk of hip fractures in elderly patients.
Additionally, a 2010 study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that mothers that use proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec during early pregnancy were twice as likely to have a child with a heart defect that those who did not take the drugs. Three types of birth defects were specified in the study: septal defects, and right and left ventricular defects.
At RxRecall.com, our dangerous drug lawyers are investigating claims involving Prilosec. Well-versed in both the dangers of proton pump inhibitors and the product liability laws that protect consumers, our Prilosec lawsuit attorneys can help you obtain fair compensation for your suffering. If you or your child has experienced severe Prilosec side effects, contact an RxRecall.com Prilosec lawyer today. Call 1-800-918-4559 to schedule a free consultation.
What are proton pump inhibitors?
Proton pump inhibitors, like Prilosec, work by blocking the production of stomach acid. They do this by shutting down a system in the stomach known as the proton pump.
Proton pump inhibitors are used in the treatment of GERD, stomach and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Doctors may prescribe using PPIs alone, or in combination with antacids. PPIs may also be used in combination with certain antibiotics (e.g. amoxycillin and clarithromycin) when treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection (a bacterial infection of the stomach), which is thought to be one of the main causes of recurring stomach ulcers. Learn more: proton pump inhibitors.
What side effects are associated with Prilosec use?
Serious side effects most often reported in Prilosec users include the following:
- Hip fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Spine fractures
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stroke
- Allergic reactions
- Heart attack
- Weight loss
The risk of these Prilosec side effects is greatly increased in patients receiving high doses or in intervals greater than a year at a time. In May 2010, the FDA announced that warnings would be provided about the risk of bone fracture side effects from prescription strength PPI drugs. The warnings came after FDA drug safety reviewers looked at a number of epidemiological studies into PPI bone fracture risks. A year later, the FDA updated an earlier drug safety communication indicating that it has determined that the use of high doses of PPIs for more than a year can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures of the hip, wrist and spine.
Prilosec Use and Plavix
In November 2009, the FDA warned the public and healthcare professionals that individuals taking the anti-clotting drug Plavix should not take Prilosec because they may lessen the effects of Plavix. This may prove problematic since approximately 50% of patients taking Plavix also take Prilosec and similar drugs to prevent stomach bleeding and ulcers, which are common side effects of taking Plavix. A previous study indicated that if you took PPI drugs like Prilosec, the risk of heart attack and stroke increased by 50%.
Contact Our Prilosec Attorneys
An experienced Prilosec lawyer – one familiar with potential proton pump inhibitor side effects and with the product liability laws that protect you as a consumer – can help you obtain fair compensation for your suffering. Serving dangerous drug victims nationwide, we have extensive experience with product liability cases. We can help you too.
If you have experienced Prilosec side effects, contact us today and discuss your potential Prilosec lawsuit with an experienced RxRecall.com product liability lawyer. Our Prilosec attorneys will evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
