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PrevAcid Side Effects

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Proton pump inhibitors like PrevAcid have been tied to a wide range of side effects, including B12 deficiency, low magnesium levels  and certain types of bone fractures. Recent research also suggests that these drugs may be linked to serious kidney complications, including chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, as well as an increased risk of dementia, and heart attacks.

Is PrevAcid Overused?

PrevAcid belongs to a class of heartburn medications called proton pump inhibitors, which are indicated to treat certain ailments related to the overproduction of gastric acid. While PrevAcid is only sold via prescription, an over-the-counter version called PrevAcid 24HR is also available. In 2010, an estimated $11.4 billion  worths of prescription proton pump inhibitors were sold .That figure does not include sales of over-the-counter versions.

PrevAcid and other proton pump inhibitors are only intended for short-term use ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. But research suggests that many people are using proton pump inhibitors, especially over-the-counter versions, for long-term relief of symptoms and for conditions for which they were never approved.  Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences for an individual’s health.

Complications Associated With PrevAcid

Potential side effects associated with PrevAcid include:

• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Osteoporotic fracture
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Inhibition of antiplatelet therapy
• Low magnesium levels
• Iron deficiency
• Acute Interstitial nephritis

Recent research suggests that proton pump inhibitors may pose other  serious risks.  For example, a study published in the May 2016 issue of Circulation Research suggested that long-term exposure to the drugs may accelerate blood vessel aging, which could open the door to a host of side effects including heart attacks and strokes. Read More

In June 2015, research published in PLOS One  suggested that people who take proton pump inhibitors were at an increased risk of heart attacks. And a study that appeared in in JAMA Neurology in April 2016 found  that seniors who use proton pump inhibitors were 44% more likely to suffer from dementia compared with those not receiving the medications.

PrevAcid and the Kidneys

Some of the most concerning PrevAcid side effects could turn out to be renal complications seen in a number of recent studies. It was already known that patients who use proton pump inhibitors sometimes develop a serious kidney injury called acute interstitial nephritis. However, new research has found that these drugs might also increase the risk for chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

• January 2016: According to a report in JAMA: Internal Medicine, patients who use a proton pump inhibitor twice per day may be 46% more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Patients who take the drugs only once a day may face a 15% higher risk. Read More
• April 2016: A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggested that patients who use proton pump inhibitors were 96% more likely to develop kidney failure and 28% more likely to suffer chronic kidney disease compared to those who took another class of heartburn medications.   The findings also indicated that the overall risk increases with higher doses and longer duration of use. Read More

Legal Help for Victims of PrevAcid Side Effects

There is legal help available for victims of kidney side effects that may be associated with PrevAcid. To learn more, please contact Bernstein Liebhard LLP today at (888) 994-5118.