The Dangers of PPIs (Nexium, Prilosec)
Heartburn and indigestion are common complaints. Whether you’ve eaten a hearty meal, are pregnant, or have a family history of gastroesophageal problems, heartburn can put a damper on a good day. We often turn to proton pump inhibitors, called PPIs, like Nexium and Prilosec to treat this annoying condition, but are they doing more harm than good? An experienced and successful Savannah PPI lawyer can help you navigate the often times confusing and complex legal process involved with recovering the compensation you deserve as a PPI victim.
What are PPIs Used for?
Proton pump inhibitors are a class of medications that treat gastroesophageal conditions like acid reflux and heartburn. These are medical conditions in which your stomach acid gets up into your esophagus, causing pain and irritation. PPIs work by inhibiting the acidity of your stomach acid, easing your discomfort. For this reason they’re referred to as “acid reducers.”
PPIs are generally seen as safe medications, so they’re available over the counter. New research, however, suggests that these medicines may be doing more harm than good.
Complications Associated with Prescription and Over the Counter PPIs
Emerging evidence suggests proton pump inhibitors are more trouble than they’re worth. Complications may include:
- In some cases, long-term use of PPI’s is associated with a failure to properly absorb essential nutrients.
- Increased risk of bone fractures. Malabsorption of calcium can make bones more susceptible to injury over time.
- Increased risk of an infection from a bacterium known as clostridium difficile, which can be especially dangerous to elderly patients. Our guts are colonized with healthy bacteria that bolster our immune system; PPIs may upset this balance in high doses or over the course of long treatments.
- Some studies even suggest that PPIs are associated with an increased risk of developing pneumonia, another potentially deadly disease for the elderly.
- Weight gain. There’s a body of evidence to suggest that long-term use of PPI’s is directly correlated to excess weight, which impacts cardiovascular health.
Should I Keep Taking My PPI?
The adverse effects of PPIs are well documented, yet pharmaceutical companies purport that the evidence cannot be directly linked back to their products. If you’re currently on a PPI for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or any other medical condition, talk to your doctor. If he or she isn’t taking your concerns seriously, get a second opinion. For some people, the benefits of proton pump inhibitos may outweigh the PPI risks. Long-term effects of GERD can lead to esophageal cancer, for example. If you’re unsure of what to do about your PPI, always ask your physician.
Worries over PPI Usage
Pharmaceutical companies are notorious for insisting their products aren’t responsible for poor health outcomes. But history shows that these conglomerates don’t always have the best interests of the people at heart. If you think you’ve experienced physical or emotional suffering from complications resulting from your PPI, talk to a Savannah PPI lawyer about your options.
If you’ve been a victim of negligence or are concerned about a loved one, your mind may be swirling with questions. Who will pay for your medical bills? What is the recourse for the parties responsible? At Roden Law, our personal injury lawyers in Savannah are prepared to answer these questions and more.
We built our practice on the idea that no one should be able to get away with negligence. Whether it’s the prescribing physician or the pharmaceutical company who ignores the evidence, we can help you find closure and get the compensation you deserve. Don’t accept your pain and suffering; make sure the parties responsible don’t cause the same suffering you’ve experienced.
Call our office to schedule your free case evaluation. A member of our team will walk you through the specifics of your situation and advise you of your next steps. To schedule yours today, contact us.