The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) centralized all federally-filed proton pump inhibitor (PPI) – kidney injury lawsuits on August 2, 2017. All the suits involve kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, and other kidney injuries. U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey will host the JPML.
The JPML’s Transfer Order affected 166 lawsuits filed against the makers of Nexium, Prilosec, PrevAcid, Protonix, and Dexilant. Any similar PPI lawsuits filed in federal courts in future will be eligible for transfer to the District of New Jersey.
Creating a multidistrict litigation court can help both plaintiffs and defendants. This one will allow all federal proton pump inhibitor – kidney injury claims to follow coordinated pretrial proceedings, including discovery and motion practice. The JPML process is designed to improve judicial efficiency, prevent inconsistent court rulings and duplicative discovery. It is also meant to preserve court resources and lighten loads on witnesses and others in the litigation.
Individual Cases Must Stand on Own Merits
Though pretrial proceedings will be coordinated, each proton pump inhibitor lawsuit in the multidistrict litigation will maintain its own identity and be decided on its own merits. All plaintiffs will continue to maintain control over important decisions affecting their own individual claims. That control includes whether or not to accept any future settlement offers.
Proton Pump Inhibitor – Kidney Injury Claim
The nationwide law firm of Matthews & Associates is handling lawsuits for people who took a proton pump inhibitor and then developed kidney problems. Chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, acute interstitial nephritis, or acute kidney injury have all been linked with popular PPI drugs: Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, PrevAcid, Dexilant.
PPPI-Lawsuit | Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any kidney issues that could be related to proton pump inhibitors, contact our office today. Protect your legal rights. Email us for a free legal case review, fill out our short form or call us at (888) 923-7001.
What are proton pump inhibitors?
Proton pump inhibitors are a class of heartburn medications that include the prescription drugs Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, and PrevAcid, as well as various over-the-counter (OTC) brands and generics. Those sold via prescription are approved to treat symptoms associated with GERD, ulcers and other problems linked with the overproduction of stomach acid. OTC proton pump inhibitors are often recommended for people who suffer from frequent heartburn (two or more episodes per week.)
An estimated 15 million Americans used proton pump inhibitors in 2013. Research suggests these drugs are often overused, and that many people use them far too long. Proton pump inhibitors are thought to be generally safe for short-term use, but long-term use has been linked to several serious side effects, including C. diff infections, certain bone fractures, low magnesium levels, B12 deficiency, and more. Research also suggests extended PPI use may increase one’s risk for dementia, heart attacks, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, kidney failure.
What causes kidney failure?
Kidney failure is the final stage of chronic kidney disease. Also known as end stage renal disease, the condition occurs when the kidneys no longer function in a way that would allow a patient to survive, resulting in the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure. Other causes include:
• Toxic exposure
• Certain acute and chronic diseases
• Severe dehydration
• Kidney trauma
Other recent studies also suggest proton pump inhibitors may harm kidneys.
• April 2015: A study published by Canadian researchers found older people who used PPIs were more likely to suffer acute kidney injury, a form of sudden renal failure.
• April 2016: A paper appearing in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology linked extended use of proton pump inhibitors to a 96% increased risk of renal failure compared to alternative medications.
• January 2016: Research that appeared in JAMA Internal Medicine reported that proton pump inhibitors might increase the risk of chronic kidney disease by as much as 50%. The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology study also suggested PPI use was associated with a 28% increase in the risk for chronic kidney disease , compared to another class of heartburn drugs.
What is acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)?
Acute interstitial nephritis is a sudden inflammation of the kidney tubules often caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to a medication. AIN symptoms include:
• Fever
• Blood in the urine
• Exhaustion, fatigue
• Confusion
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rash
• Water retention and weight gain
• Swelling
• Feeling bloated
• Elevated blood pressure
When acute interstitial nephritis is caused by a drug, most doctors would cease treatment of that medication. If not recognized swiftly, the condition can progress to chronic kidney disease and renal failure.
FDA Label Warning Update
In 2014, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration ordered the makers of all prescription proton pump inhibitors to add information about acute interstitial nephritis to their product labels.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Settlements
Parties involved in the proton pump inhibitor litigation have not announced any settlements in kidney-related cases. The first such lawsuits were just filed in 2016. Pharmaceutical drug cases can take several years to come to fruition for plaintiffs, if they ever do. Anfyone suffering kidney injury after taking a protom pump inhibitor is encouraged to call our offices to discuss a potential case against the PPI maker.
Free Legal Consultation
Matthews & Associated drug injury lawyers offer free legal reviews to people who may have suffered chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or other renal complications linked with Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, or Prevacid. Email for a free legal consultation or call us at (888) 520–5202.
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