Study Links Popular Heartburn Medications to an Increased Risk of Dementia

 Posted on April 15, 2016 in Prescription Drugs

All medications come with risks, but some have more than others. Unfortunately, the risks are not adequately researched, or worse, properly disclosed to prescribing physicians and patients. The warnings, in many instances, are inadequate. Such instances involving dangerous or defective drugs can wreak havoc on the lives of unsuspecting victims. Case in point: the recent study that revealed popular heartburn medications may carry an elevated risk of dementia.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Their Uses

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are a class of drugs used to treat certain gastric conditions, including peptic and stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Available both by prescription and over the counter, they are used by an estimated 15 million Americans. Some who take them claim they are difficult to stop because the condition returns with an increase in severity. But, in light of recent studies, cessation of use may very well be the best course of action, particularly for those who suffer from milder versions of the treated conditions.

PPI Studies Reveals Possible Link to Dementia and Other Conditions

Studies completed over the last couple of years have revealed some concerning and unlisted potential side effects for those who take proton pump inhibitors, including a 20 to 50 percent increase for kidney disease and an elevated risk for heart disease. The newest study links the use of PPIs to a 44 percent increased risk of dementia, a medical condition that causes an incurable decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Unlisted and Undisclosed Side Effects of Medications

When medications are released to the general public before the full, long-term implications are known, patients are put at unnecessary risk. When they suffer death or injury because of those effects, they may be due compensation. Unfortunately, the process used to pursue such damages is slated against the victim. As such, anyone who has suffered ill and unlisted side effects should contact a skilled and experienced defective drug attorney.

At Tomasik Kotin Kasserman we understand just how drastically unlisted and undisclosed side effects can alter your life or the life of a loved one. And, because we believe in justice for victims, we offer quality support, counsel, and aggressive representation to those injured or killed by dangerous and defective drugs. To ask how we can help with your case, schedule your free initial consultation with a Chicago pharmaceutical litigation attorney. Call 312-605-8800 today.

Sources:

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/popular-heartburn-drugs-linked-to-dementia-risk-study-shows-623341123665

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/857060

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000381.htm

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/02/15/465279217/popular-heartburn-pills-can-be-hard-to-stop-and-may-be-risky

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/heartburn-drugs-ppi-prilosec-nexium-prevacid-risk-of-dementia/