Vimovo is an antacid that contains a combination of two drugs. Unfortunately, it has been linked to an increased risk of kidney problems, nephritis, kidney disease, stomach cancer, and other side effects.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Vimovo induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a severe side effect, 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.
Vimovo 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 Vimovo.
Vimovo Lawsuits Centralized in MDL
August 2017 — Judges have centralized 161 lawsuits involving kidney injuries from Vimovo 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 Vimovo 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 Vimovo 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 Vimovo with a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 26% increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Click here to read more.
What is Vimovo?
Vimovo is an antacid medication that combines naproxen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) with esomeprazole (a proton-pump inhibitor, or PPI). The naproxen in Vimovo helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, which are common symptoms of arthritis.
One side effect of long-term use of naproxen is the risk of stomach ulcers, and the esomeprazole treats ulcers by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Vimovo is manufactured by AstraZeneca and was approved by the FDA in 2010.
Vimovo and Bone Fractures
There is a growing amount of scientific evidence linking PPIs to an increased risk of bone fractures. One study, published in January 2012 by the British Medical Journal, found that women who took a PPI for at least two years were 35% more likely to have a hip fracture.
In May 2010, the FDA also issued warnings that using a PPI for more than one year increases the risk of bone fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. The FDA has recently updated these warnings to recommend to limit the use of PPIs to one year, until long-term safety studies can be conducted.
Vimovo and Low Magnesium
March 2, 2011 — The FDA has issued a warning that PPIs may increase the risk of having low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) if the drug is taken for more than one year. Very low levels of magnesium may increase the risk of several serious side effects, including muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, arrhythmias, and convulsions.
The FDA is recommending that doctors test new patients for normal blood-magnesium levels before prescribing Vimovo or other PPIs when the patient is expected to be taking the drug for at least one year. The risk may be greatest for patients who combine PPIs with other medications that can cause low magnesium levels, such as diuretics, digoxin, and more.
Vimovo Label Updated With Kidney Inflammation
Evidence linking PPIs and kidney disease has been growing for decades. In December 2014, the FDA updated the label on all PPIs, including Vimovo, to include interstitial nephritis. This sudden and severe kidney inflammation is caused by an allergic reaction to medications in the bloodstream.
Kidney Side Effects of Vimovo
- Interstitial nephritis
- Kidney inflammation
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- Renal failure
Other Side Effects of Vimovo
- Stomach cancer
- Bone fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine
- Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Life-threatening allergic reaction
- Inflammation of the stomach lining
- Stomach ulcers
Do I have a Vimovo Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Vimovo induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a severe side effect, 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.
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