Charleston Proton Pump Inhibitors Injury Lawyer

Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are considered to be the greatest acid reducers on the market, like most drugs, they have side effects that range from irritating to deadly. In fact, many proton pump inhibitors should not be taken for long periods of time due to the damage they may cause. The difficulty with regulating how drugs are taken is that drug manufacturers sometimes withhold information on how a drug may affect people so they can continue to make a profit on their products. The results are not always pretty.

At the Steinberg Law Firm we have a good sense of how defective drugs may affect people and what they are, by law, entitled to in terms of obtaining damages for any injuries they sustain. When you bring a defective drug case involving proton pump inhibitors to us, you have the power of our firm behind you as you fight for justice. Talk to us. We are here to help you.

What are proton pump inhibitors ?

Proton pump inhibitors work by reducing the production of acid in the stomach by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that creates acid. By reducing the amount of acid generated in the stomach, a patient can, among other things, avoid duodenal and esophageal ulcers and allow existing ones to heal. Although there are a variety of PPIs on the market, no one drug is reportedly more effective than another, however, they are different in how they are broken down by the liver and how they interact with other drugs.

Proton pump inhibitors may also be used in treating other acid related conditions such as:

• Zollinger-Ellision disease — when tumors cause too much acid, producing peptic ulcers
• NSAID ulcers — ulcers generated by taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Used in combination with antibiotics for wiping out Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

H2 blockers and PPIs

In the mid 1970s the first drug to target stomach acid production was Tagamet (cimetidine). Tagamet turned out to be enormously popular and successful. Other H2 blockers followed: Pepcid (famotidine) and Zantac (ranitidine). H2 blockers are now a thing of the past and PPIs have taken over to reduce stomach acid. Proton pump inhibitors treat and prevent ulcers in the duodenum and the stomach, and they deal with other stomach acid issues, such as when acid flows back into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD).

As good as the PPIs are there is concern about overuse, possible drug interactions and side effects.

PPI side effects

The most common side effects associated with PPIs include:

• Flatulence
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Increased risk of C. difficile (Clostridium difficile)
• Increased risk of osteoporosis related fractures of the spine, hip, wrist
• Reduced absorption of Vitamin B12
• Hypomagnesemia (low levels magnesium)
• Heart attacks
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome — serious skin/mucous membranes disorder, usually reaction to a medication/infection. Painful red/purplish rash that spreads and blisters.
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) — life threatening, with necrosis, erythema and bullous detachment of skin/mucous membranes. Possible exfoliation, sepsis and/or death
• Pancreatitis
• Reduced liver function
• Reduced kidney function
• Erythema multiforme
• Serious allergy reactions

Drugs that interact with PPIs

• PPIs Prilosec and Prilosec OTC reduce the effect of Plavix (a platelet aggregation inhibitor used to help prevent heart attacks) this combination must be avoided.
  
• PPIs may affect the breakdown of some drugs by the liver, leading to an increased blood concentration of the other drug. E.g. Prilosec (omeprazole) is most likely out of the various PPIs to reduce the breakdown of drugs in the liver. This means taking Prilosec can increase the blood concentration of Dilantin, Valium and Warfarin.
• PPIs reduce stomach acid that other drugs need to work, thus affecting the absorption of those drugs. PPIs reduce the concentration and absorption of Nizoral (ketoconazole) and increase the concentration and absorption of Lanoxin (digoxin).

PPIs on the market

PPIs available on the market today include:

• Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate – Zegerid, Zegerid OYC
• Omeprazole – Prilosec, Prilosec OTC
• Esomeprazole magnesium/naproxen – Vimovo
• Aspirin/omeprazole – Yosprala
• Esomeprazole – Nexium, Nexium IV, Nexium 24HR
• Lansoprazole – Prevacid, Prevacid IV, Prevacid 24-Hour
• Pantoprazole – Protonix
• Dexlansoprazole – Dexilent, Dexilent Solutab (previously Kapidex)
• Rabeprazole – Aciphex, Aciphex Sprinkle

Have you experienced serious complications from taking PPIs? Seek an experienced defective drug attorney from the Steinberg Law Firm. Contact an attorney as soon as you can, as each state has its own statute of limitations and other deadlines that may affect your ability to obtain compensation if you wait.

The Steinberg Law Firm understands what it takes to make a defective product case that results in fair and equitable compensation for you. Call us today for your free consultation and learn about your legal rights. Call The Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 as soon as possible. We are waiting to hear from you.

Our initial consultation is confidential and completely free of charge. You pay nothing to speak to a lawyer about your case. We understand that the claims process can be difficult, and the paperwork can really pile up. Our attorneys can help you understand the details of your case, your legal rights, and how to get the compensation and justice you deserve.