If you’re taking Nexium, Prilosec, or another proton pump inhibitor (PPI) either by prescription or over the counter, you might want to reconsider your options. A recent British study revealed more heartburn medication risks. The study showed that the use of these medications increase the risk of the development of serious stomach infections. Particularly, the heartburn medication risks increase the likelihood of patients developing C. difficile and Campylobacter bacteria.
Heartburn Medication Risks Study Demographics
The findings of the heartburn medication risks study were published January 5, 2017 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. The study followed 565,000 adults taking proton pump inhibitors (such as Nexium or Prilosec) compared to adults taking an H2 heartburn medication (like Zantac and Pepcid). The purpose of these medications is to reduce the amount of stomach acid that is produced by the body. The adults taking the proton pump inhibitors were more likely to develop C. difficile or Campylobacter compared to the adults taking the H2 drugs.
Researchers believe that the decrease in stomach acid makes patients more susceptible to develop a stomach infection. However, this study on heartburn medication risks wasn’t the first time that the link between PPIs and stomach infections was noticed. The FDA issued a Safety Communication notice to the public regarding the increased risk of developing one of these stomach infections.
Why Are These Stomach Infections So Dangerous?
- difficile, also referred to as C. diff, is an extremely serious stomach infection. Although it is treatable by medical professionals, it can also be deadly. In 2011, the CDC reported that around 500,000 people in the United States contracted C. difficile. Out of that, 29,000 patients died. C. difficile is an infection that causes your colon to become inflamed. It can cause watery diarrhea, high fever, blood or pus in the stools, nausea, dehydration, weight loss, and even kidney failure.
Campylobacter is a bacterial infection of the stomach. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, fever, cramping, and abdominal pain. It can spread into your blood stream and cause a life-threatening situation.
These heartburn medication risks are extremely serious and can cause death. If you take proton pump inhibitors, regardless of whether they are over the counter or by prescription, and notice symptoms of c. diff or Campylobacter, get medical help right away.
Other Heartburn Medication Risks
Sadly, these serious stomach infections aren’t the only risks associated with the use of heartburn medications. Studies have indicated that proton pump inhibitors have an increased risk of stroke, heart problems, fluid build-up on the brain, and kidney problems.
These serious heartburn medication risks have injured thousands of people in the United States. Because of this, bad drug lawyers are helping injured patients file lawsuits to help them get compensation for their injuries. It is expected that lawsuits against Nexium and Prilosec will continue to increase.
Were You Injured Because Of Prilosec Or Nexium?
If you were injured after taking Prilosec, Nexium, or another proton pump inhibitor, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Contact Goldwater Law Firm and schedule your free case evaluation. We’ve devoted our professional lives to helping injured patients get what they deserve. To learn more about whether you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, call us now.