Side effects of the heartburn drug Prevacid may include acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a condition that occurs when the kidney tubules become inflamed or swollen.
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Overview
Prevacid (generic: lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. The drug is prescribed to treat stomach and esophageal problems such as acid reflux and ulcers. Prevacid is made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in May 1995.
What’s the Problem?
Proton pump inhibitors are taken by millions of people around the world, often for many years at a time with little to no supervision from a doctor or other healthcare provider. While PPIs are generally considered to be very safe, concerns have been raised about their effect on the kidneys, having been specifically linked to a rare kidney condition called acute interstitial nephritis (AIN).
Prevacid & Nephritis
Only a few cases of acute interstitial nephritis have been specifically linked to Prevacid; however, PPI heartburn drugs like it have been increasingly associated with the condition as their usage has become widespread. One case of AIN linked to Prevacid was reported in an elderly woman who was hospitalized after taking the drug for 45 days. The condition resolved upon termination of the offending medication and treatment with corticosteroids.
What is AIN?
Acute interstitial nephritis is characterized by the infiltration into the interstitium of the kidney tubules by inflammatory cells. Why this occurs in many patients is unclear, but the mechanism of action typically involves an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. AIN is usually a temporary condition; however, it can lead to acute kidney failure if left untreated. A delay in diagnosis and continued use of Prevacid could potentially lead to kidney failure and more severe health consequences.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of acute interstitial nephritis include:
- Malaise
- Fever
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
Treatment
If Prevacid is found to be the cause of your AIN, the only treatment needed may be to discontinue treatment with the medication. However, you should never quit or switch medications without consulting your physician.
Other cases of acute interstitial nephritis may treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. A timely diagnosis and prompt treatment often leads to a full recovery. However, nephritis often causes permanent damage to the kidneys before the condition can be identified.
Do I Have a Prevacid Acute Interstitial Nephritis Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Prevacid lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new nephritis cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you developed acute interstitial nephritis after taking Prevacid, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.