Use of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug Vimovo may increase the risk of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a severe kidney complication that can lead to renal failure if left untreated.
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Overview
Vimovo combines the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole with naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Esomeprazole decreases acid production in the stomach while naproxen reduces substances that cause inflammation, pain and fever. Vimovo is made by AstraZeneca, and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2010.
FDA Warns of Increased Nephritis Risk with Vimovo
In 2004, AstraZeneca reported that esomeprazole had been linked to at least 15 cases of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) worldwide, in addition to multiple cases of acute renal failure and renal impairment. As a result of these problems, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2014 updated Vimovo labels to include a warning about nephritis. FDA stated that the condition can occur at any time during treatment with the drug, and that patients should contact their doctor immediately if symptoms of AIN appear.
What is AIN?
Acute interstitial nephritis is characterized by sudden inflammation of the interstitial tissue. The condition causes swelling in the spaces between tubules, which help the kidneys filter the blood. AIN may also be referred to as ‘tubulo-interstitial nephritis.’
Symptoms
AIN is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms are non-specific and can mimic the original indications for which Vimovo was prescribed. When they do present, however, symptoms of acute interstitial nephritis may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Increased or decreased urine output
- Mental status changes (drowsiness, confusion, coma)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Swelling of the body
- Weight gain
Treatment
Acute interstitial nephritis typically requires hospitalization to treat, where patients will receive anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids). About 50% of patients with AIN will develop symptoms of kidney failure. When kidney function drops under 15%, patients will need dialysis treatment to clean the blood. The kidneys can recover from moderate damage, but the longer nephritis goes untreated, the higher the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Do I Have a Vimovo 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 Vimovo lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new nephritis cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you were diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis after taking Vimovo, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.