According to a 2016 report published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, continued usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. PPIs are most commonly recognized as Prilosec or Nexium, which can be used to treat heartburn and acid reflux disease.
Researchers looked at the medical records of more than 10,000 patients taking PPIs and found that the risk of chronic kidney disease increased by 20 to 50%. Another study done by the American Society of Nephrology reported that the longer patients take PPIs, the greater the risk of chronic kidney disease is.
In the most recent study published in Hemodialysis International, researchers concluded that dialysis patients using PPIs experienced significantly lower magnesium levels than those who were not on the medication. In an inflammatory state, low magnesium levels can be extremely dangerous and potentially lethal for patients on hemodialysis.
Taking these types of medications stops acid from building up in the stomach, which can help aid the side effects associated with a number of acid-peptic disorders, but it can also inhibit the absorption of important minerals – without these vital nutrients, the body is prone to experiencing heart attacks, renal failure, and bone fractures.
We Are at the Forefront of Trial Advocacy
If you or a loved one has been hurt by taking PPIs or any other dangerous drug, it’s crucial that you secure legal representation as soon as possible. Bahe Cook Cantley & Nefzger PLC is a Kentucky personal injury firm made up of award-winning trial attorneys who have successfully secured multi-million dollar recovers for clients. Because we believe that our clients are deserving of top-notch representation, regardless of financial strains, we handle our cases on a contingency fee – you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.