Protonix is an anti-heartburn drug that has been linked to nephritis (kidney inflammation), kidney disease, stomach cancer, and other side effects.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Protonix induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with kidney failure or other side effects, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Protonix and Stomach Cancer
In November 2017, a study published in the journal Gut found a doubled (2X) higher risk of stomach cancer for people who were on long-term treatment with heartburn medications in the Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class, which includes popular antacids like Protonix.
Protonix Lawsuits Centralized in MDL
August 2017 — Judges have centralized 161 lawsuits involving kidney injuries from Protonix and other PPI heartburn drugs into Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2798) under Judge Claire C. Cecchi in the District of New Jersey — In RE: Proton-Pump Inhibitor Products Liability Litigation (No. II). Drug-makers are accused of failing to warn that Protonix can cause kidney injuries, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), acute interstitial nephritis, end-stage kidney disease, or kidney failure.
Study: Heartburn Drugs Increase Risk of Death
July 2017 — Researchers have linked the use of PPI heartburn drugs with up to a 50% increased risk of death compared to H2-blocker heartburn drugs, according to a study published in the journal BMJ Open. The researchers estimated 1 excess death per 500 people who take a PPI. Click here to read more.
Heartburn Drugs Causing Massive Health Problems
Study Links Protonix and Kidney Failure
April 2016 — The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has published a study linking long-term use of PPI antacids like Protonix with a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Click here to read more.
What is Protonix?
Protonix (pantoprazole) is an anti-heartburn drug that works by reducing the amount of stomach acid. It also helps treat ulcers and injuries to the esophagus due to acid reflux disease.
Protonix Label Updated to Include Nephritis
In November 2013, the label on Protonix was updated by the FDA to include acute interstitial nephritis. This side effect can occur at any time when patients are taking Protonix, according to the FDA.
What is Nephritis?
Acute interstitial nephritis is a sudden inflammation inside the kidneys. It is usually caused by hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions to medications in blood being cleaned by the kidneys. About 1-3% of all cases of kidney failure are caused by nephritis.
Warning Signs of Nephritis
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Changes in urine output (more or less than normal)
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swelling in the body due to fluid retention
- Weight-gain due to excess fluid
Studies Link PPIs and Kidney Disease
People who take PPIs twice a day were 46% more likely to be diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine by researchers at Johns Hopkins University in February 2016. The conclusions of the study were based on data from 10,500 people who used heartburn drugs between 1996-2011.
In April 2015, the a study published by the journal of the Canadian Medical Association found that adults over 66 years old on long-term treatment with PPIs were 3-times more likely to be diagnosed with nephritis and 2.5-times more likely to develop an acute kidney injury. The conclusions of the study were based on data from 290,000 people in Canada who started a PPI between 2002-2011.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can cause progressive loss of kidney function over several years. As the kidneys stop cleaning the blood and performing other necessary functions, complications can include high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutrition, nerve damage, heart disease, and more.
Case Report Links Protonix and Nephritis
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a case report linking Protonix with a case of nephritis in 2008. The victim was a 57 year-old man who started taking Protonix six weeks earlier. He went to the hospital after suffering from vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and other side effects for two weeks. He had a biopsy and was diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis.
Protonix and Kidney Failure
Protonix is associated with a number of renal diseases that can cause kidney failure. The kidneys can recover from minor injuries, but progressive kidney damage can permanently decrease kidney function. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys perform less than 15% of their normal function. Patients develop uremia, a life-threatening condition in which toxins and excess fluids accumulate and poison the body.
Serious Side Effects
Protonix reduces stomach acid, which can cause problems with digestion and malnutrition. The FDA has issued warnings about the following side effects:
- Acute interstitial nephritis
- Bone fractures
- Hip, wrist, and spinal fractures
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Chronic diarrhea from Clostridium difficile infections
- Low magnesium
- Muscle spasms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Stomach cancer
Protonix Class Action
Instead of a Protonix class action, our law firm is filing individual lawsuits against drug-makers for failing to warn about side effects. We focus on cases involving serious injuries and we help victims of dangerous drugs seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent injuries, lost income, and more.
Do I have a Protonix Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Protonix induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with kidney problems or other side effects, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
