Protonix Side Effects
Our proton pump inhibitor lawyers are presently investigating claims involving Protonix, a popular prescription medication used to treat heartburn. Protonix and other heartburn medications increase the risk of spine, hip, and wrist fractures. At RxRecall.com, our dangerous drug attorneys are investigating claims involving Protonix.
Protonix (generic name panoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It is chemically structured to help the secretion of acid from the stomach glands. Protonix is manufactured and marketed by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories. To relieve the symptoms of gastric reflux, many patients are prescribed Protonix for a period of several months or longer. However, mounting evidence and numerous case studies have linked Protonix and other PPIs may cause harm to some patients.
Protonix use may cause bone fractures (including hip, spine, and wrist fractures), and birth defects to newborns whose mothers used during pregnancy.
At RxRecall.com, our dangerous drug lawyers are investigating claims involving Protonix. Well-versed in both the dangers of proton pump inhibitors and the product liability laws that protect consumers, our Protonix lawsuit attorneys can help you obtain fair compensation for your suffering. If you or your child has experienced severe Protonix side effects, contact an RxRecall.com Protonix lawyer today. Call 1-800-918-4559 to schedule a free consultation.
What are proton pump inhibitors?
Proton pump inhibitors, like Protonix, 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 Protonix use?
Serious side effects most often reported in Protonix users include the following:
- Hip fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Spine fractures
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stroke
- Allergic reactions
- Heart attack
- Weight loss
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
PPI medications like Protonix have been linked to a possible increase in the risk of fractures because the drugs reduce the acid in the stomach that block against harmful bacteria. Fractured hips, wrists and spines are serious and painful injuries which can severely restrict mobility and limit the patient’s quality of life. Long-term use of PPIs like Protonix in older patients may increase the risk of suffering hip fractures by up to 25 percent.
Precautions when taking Protonix
Since Protonix contains sodium, patients who are on salt restricted diets like those with heart failure should avoid taking the medication. Because it may cause bleeding, patients taking blood thinning agents should be careful while taking Protonix. The safety of this medication in pregnant women has not been proven and is not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Contact our Protonix Attorneys
As a consumer and a patient, you have the right to trust your medication is safe. Tragically, this is not always the case. When a pharmaceutical company acts negligently, its actions can result in serious side effects. Victims however, may recoup damages through a successful product liability claim against the drug’s maker.
Well versed in the product liability laws that protect consumers, our Protonix attorneys have handled countless lawsuits involving harmful pharmaceuticals. If you have experienced Protonix side effects, contact us today and discuss your potential Protonix lawsuit with an experienced RxRecall.com product liability lawyer.
