Published by If you or a loved one experienced kidney disease, renal failure, heart attack, stomach cancer or bone fractures following the use of Aciphex, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous side effects from proton pump inhibitors. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
Aciphex Lawsuit Overview
Aciphex lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of this popular proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication due to severe side effects not adequately disclosed to patients.
The primary allegations focus on kidney injuries, stomach cancer, and bone fractures that were not properly warned about on product labeling.
Thousands of patients have reported serious adverse events related to long-term Aciphex use, and the FDA has issued multiple safety warnings regarding PPI medications like Aciphex.
Latest Aciphex Lawsuit Updates
- August 4, 2017 – The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) ordered that all federally-filed lawsuits involving kidney injuries from PPI heartburn drugs will be consolidated in the District of New Jersey for pretrial handling. The panel’s ruling marked an about-face from it’s previous opinion on the matter, having in February rejected a bid to create an MDL. The reason for the change was due to the litigation’s substantial increase in size since the initial ruling, and because 2 defendants who previously opposed centralization — AstraZeneca and Pfizer — are now in support of it, according to JPML.
- July 5, 2017 – Proton pump inhibitors have been linked to a 25% greater risk of death compared to patients who took H2 blockers, according to a study published Monday in BMJ [1]. The study also found that PPI use was linked to a 15% increased death rate compared to patients who took another kind of acid suppressor other than H2 blockers, and that the death rate was 23% higher among PPI users compared to people who took no such medications.
- April 5, 2017 – Dementia patients who take proton pump inhibitors have an 89% increased risk of developing pneumonia compared to dementia patients who don’t use the medications, according to a study published last month in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Independent risk factors for pneumonia included age, male gender, underlying cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and antipsychotic use.
- March 23, 2017 – Proton pump inhibitor heartburn medicines have been linked to an increased risk for heart failure and death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a recent study published in PLOS ONE [2]. The researchers found that PPIs are commonly used to prevent complications in CAD patients treated with chronic antiplatelet therapy (aspirin, Plavix, Effient); however, when used in this capacity, proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of adverse health consequences including pneumonia, micronutrient deficiencies, and osteoporosis-related fractures.
- January 6, 2017 – People who take proton pump inhibitors like Aciphex may be at an increased risk for developing severe gut infections, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. The researchers found that among a cohort of 565,000 adults, patients who used PPIs had higher rates of infection with C. difficile and Campylobacter bacteria compared to those who didn’t take the medications.
- December 1, 2017 – Long-term use of PPIs can increase your risk of stomach cancer by up to 250% [3], a new study published in the journal Gut has found. For short-term treatment, the drugs have proved safe and effective in suppressing stomach acid production. However, for a small percentage of people who carry a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, the risk of developing stomach cancer increases dramatically when they take a PPI for an extended period of time, according to the study.
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to FDA adverse event reporting data, there have been thousands of reported complications associated with Aciphex and other PPI medications.
The FDA’s MAUDE database shows over 20,000 adverse events related to proton pump inhibitors in the past 5 years alone.
In May 2010, the FDA required that the safety labeling information for proton pump inhibitors like Aciphex be updated to include a warning about the risk of bone fractures associated with their use.
The updated warnings came as the result of a number of epidemiological studies that reported an increased risk of bone fractures in individuals who took the drugs for a year or more.
The majority of the studies evaluated patients over 50, and the increased risk of fracture primarily was observed in this age group.
Aciphex Injuries & Side Effects
Serious side effects of Aciphex have been reported in numerous studies and clinical settings, spanning from kidney damage to increased fracture risks.
- Kidney Injuries: Acute interstitial nephritis, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure (renal failure)
- Cardiovascular Problems: Heart attack, increased risk of death in patients with underlying heart conditions
- Digestive System: Stomach cancer, C. difficile infections, Campylobacter infections
- Bone Health: Bone fractures (hip fracture, wrist fracture, spine fracture), broken bones
- Neurological Issues: Brain damage, fluid buildup, loss of brain function
- Other: Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), rhabdomyolysis, pneumonia (especially in dementia patients)
Aciphex and other PPIs have been linked to long-term kidney damage, according to a January 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine [4].
What is AIN?
Acute interstitial nephritis is characterized by the presence of an inflammatory cell infiltrate in the interstitium of the kidney. Untreated AIN can lead to kidney failure, and it is estimated that up to 15% of hospitalizations for acute renal failure may be due to the condition.
Nephritis Symptoms
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Increased or decreased urine output
- Mental status changes (drowsiness, confusion, coma)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Swelling of the body
- Weight gain
Also read: Prilosec kidney failure lawsuit
Treatment
The mainstay of treatment for acute interstitial nephritis is supportive therapy. After a diagnosis of AIN has been confirmed, potentially offending medications should be discontinued and underlying infections treated. If Aciphex is determined to be the likely cause of your nephritis, you may want to consider discontinuing treatment in favor of a heartburn drug with less severe side effects. However, you should never quit taking a medication without consulting your physician first.
Do You Qualify for an Aciphex Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an Aciphex lawsuit if:
- You took Aciphex (rabeprazole) as prescribed by your doctor
- You used the medication for at least 3 months
- You experienced serious side effects such as kidney disease, kidney failure, acute interstitial nephritis, heart attack, bone fractures, or stomach cancer
- Your symptoms required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide documentation of both your Aciphex use and subsequent medical issues
Evidence Required for an Aciphex Lawsuit
To successfully pursue an Aciphex lawsuit, you’ll need to provide:
- Medical records showing your Aciphex prescription history
- Documentation of your diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider
- Medical tests confirming your injury (lab results, imaging, etc.)
- Evidence linking your injury to Aciphex use
- Records of all related medical expenses
Damages You Can Recover
Potential compensation in an Aciphex lawsuit may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages against the manufacturer
- Loss of quality of life
- In cases of wrongful death, funeral costs and loss of consortium
Statute of Limitations for Aciphex Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing an Aciphex lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or date of discovery.
Because many Aciphex complications develop gradually, the “discovery rule” may apply, which begins the countdown from when you first discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury was related to Aciphex use.
Consulting with an attorney promptly is crucial, as waiting too long could permanently bar your right to compensation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is Aciphex?
Aciphex is a medication used to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other acid-related disorders.
2. What Are the Common Side Effects of Aciphex?
The common side effects of Aciphex are headaches, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. Serious side effects are rare but may include severe allergic reactions or bone fractures with long-term use.
3. Is Aciphex Safe for Long-Term Use?
Aciphex is not safe for long-term use, but it could generally be considered safe when prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, prolonged use may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as bone fractures or vitamin deficiencies.
4. Are There Any Drug Interactions With Aciphex?
Aciphex may interact with antibiotics such as clarithromycin, antifungals like ketoconazole, and drugs metabolized by the liver such as warfarin. These interactions can affect how Aciphex and other medications function in the body, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
5. How Should Aciphex Be Taken?
Aciphex should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily before a meal. Swallow the tablet whole with water, and do not crush or chew it.
6. What Is the Problem With Rabeprazole?
The problem with rabeprazole is that it can cause side effects such as headache, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Long-term use may increase the risk of certain complications like bone fractures or vitamin deficiencies. It’s essential to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
7. How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Aciphex Lawsuit?
An Aciphex lawsuit typically takes 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity and whether it settles or goes to trial. Cases that are part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) may follow a different timeline based on bellwether trials and settlement negotiations.
8. What Is the Average Settlement for Aciphex Lawsuits?
Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, medical expenses, and individual circumstances. While some cases may settle for tens of thousands, those involving permanent kidney damage, cancer, or wrongful death could potentially result in settlements of hundreds of thousands or more.
Get A Free Aciphex Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Aciphex-related injuries. Most states have a statute of limitations of only 2-3 years from the date of injury or discovery. Don’t delay in seeking legal assistance for your potential claim.
Our firm offers:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
References
- https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/6/e015735
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0169826
- http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2017/09/18/gutjnl-2017-314605
- http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2481157