Zegerid Class Action Lawsuit

Update: Zegerid May Double Your Risk for Stomach Cancer, Study Finds

December 1, 2017 – Proton pump inhibitors like Zegerid have been linked to a more than doubled risk for stomach cancer, a new study published in the medical journal Gut has found. A link between PPIs and a higher stomach cancer risk has previously been identified by academics – but never in a study that first eliminates Helicobacter pylori, the type of bacteria suspected of fueling the illness’s development.

What’s the problem?

A February 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicated that the widely-prescribed PPI class of heartburn medications had been linked to up to a 50% increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a severe condition that can lead to full-blown kidney failure (renal failure) and even death if left untreated.

Researchers looked at data on more than 10,000 people in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, and found that PPI use was associated with a 45% increased risk of CKD. After adjusting for variables, a 50% increased risk was found. Once-daily use, however, was only linked a 15% increased risk, while twice-daily use was associated with a 46% increased risk.

How Do PPIs Work?

PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. The drugs are prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as heartburn, ulcers in the stomach and small intestines, as well as inflammation of the esophagus. In addition to Zegerid, other proton pump inhibitors include:

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

According to the New York Times Health Guide, chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys slowly lose their ability to function over time. The disease typically gets worse over a period of months or even years, with loss of function so slow you may not recognize symptoms until the kidneys have nearly stopped working. The final stage of CKD is referred to as end stage renal disease (ESRD), occurring when the kidneys are no longer able to remove enough wastes and excess fluids from the body. At this point, patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to live.

CKD Symptoms

Appetite loss
General ill feeling (malaise) / fatigue
Headaches
Itching (pruritus) / dry skin
Nausea
Weight loss without trying to lose weight

Zegerid Side Effects

Acute interstitial nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
Acute kidney injury
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Kidney failure (renal failure)
Cardiac disorders
Heart attack
Stroke
Bone fractures (hip fracture, wrist fracture, spine fracture)
Broken bones
Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
Stomach cancer
Gut infections
Dementia
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Severe allergic reactions
And more

PPIs Linked to Increased Risk of Pneumonia in Dementia Patients

April 5, 2017 – Dementia patients who take proton pump inhibitors have an 89% increased risk of developing pneumonia compared to dementia patients who don’t use the medications, according to a study published last month in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Independent risk factors for pneumonia included age, male gender, underlying cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and antipsychotic use.

PPIs Linked to Increased Risk for Heart Failure, Death

March 23, 2017 – Proton pump inhibitor heartburn medicines have been linked to an increased risk for heart failure and death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a recent study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers found that PPIs are commonly used to prevent complications in CAD patients treated with chronic antiplatelet therapy (aspirin, Plavix, Effient); however, when used in this capacity, proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of adverse health consequences including pneumonia, micronutrient deficiencies, and osteoporosis-related fractures.

Heartburn Drugs linked to Stomach Infection

January 6, 2017 – People who take proton pump inhibitor heartburn medications may be at an increased risk of developing stomach infections, according to a new study. The research, published Thursday in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, found that among a cohort of 565,000 adults, patients who took PPIs had higher rates of infection with C. difficile and Campylobacter bacteria than those who did not take the medications.

Case Study Finds Heartburn Drugs Increase Risk of Rhabdomyolysis

September 26, 2016 – A new case study suggests that a skeletal muscle disorder known as rhabdomyolysis may be another potential side effect of PPI acid reflux medications. The study described a 45-year-old patient who developed the condition shortly after being treated with an intravenous dose of Nexium (esomeprazole) for chest pain. The findings were published in last month’s edition of Medicine.

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Brain Problems, Fluid Buildup

September 1, 2016 – A new study has found that PPIs may increase the risk of loss of brain function (hepatic encephalopathy or “HE”) and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites). The study’s original objective was to determine the efficacy of a treatment for ascites. However, they found that the medications may cause abdominal fluid accumulation and HE, a loss of brain function that occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood.

Study Finds Increased Cardiovascular Complications w/ PPI Use

August 19, 2016 – Zegerid and other PPI heartburn medications have already been linked to a number of severe health problems like chronic kidney disease, acute interstitial nephritis and bone fractures. Add cardiovascular complications in patients with heart disease to that list, according to a June study published in the International Journal of Cardiology. The researchers found that prolonged PPI use was associated with an increased risk for anemia, lower weight, a worsening metabolic profile and under-utilization of cardioprotective drugs like statins and blood pressure medications.

Update: Kidney Damage, PPIs Linked in New Study

April 14, 2016 – Zegerid and other proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) could be increasing rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal failure, according to a study published today in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The researchers looked at data from the Department of Veterans Affairs national databases. They found more than 170,000 new users of PPIs and compared them to over 20,000 new users of histamine H2 receptor blockers, another class of medication used to reduce stomach acid.

Over 5 years of follow-up, the results indicated that 15% of PPI users were diagnosed with kidney disease, compared to 11% of those on H2-blockers. After controlling for other factors, including age and other diseases, this translated to a 28% increased risk of CKD for proton pump inhibitor users.

About Class Action Lawsuits

Although Schmidt & Clark, LLP is a nationally recognized class action law firm, our attorneys have decided not to file a Zegerid Class Action Suit, and are instead only accepting potential individual claims on behalf of injured parties.

Class action lawsuits are filed on behalf of large group of people or “class” of individuals who have been injured or wronged. The class is represented by a law firm and the case is typically decided upon by a single member, the “class representative” or “class rep.”

The problem with class action lawsuits is that class members are often forced into a blanket “low ball settlement” and higher attorney fees. Our lawyers understand that our clients are suffering emotionally and economically due to loss of wages and/or high medical bills and we plan to maximize each client’s recovery by filing individual Zegerid lawsuits on their behalf.

Do I Have a Zegerid 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 Zegerid lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new kidney damage cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you took Zegerid and subsequently developed a kidney injury, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.