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Table Of Contents
- Class Action Lawsuit Against Prevacid Overview
- Latest Prevacid Lawsuit Updates
- Research Reports and Statistics
- Prevacid Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Prevacid Lawsuit?
- Prevacid Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Prevacid Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What is Prevacid and why is it prescribed?
- 2. What are the serious risks associated with Prevacid use?
- 3. How do I know if my kidney problems are related to Prevacid?
- 4. What compensation might I receive from a Prevacid lawsuit?
- 5. Is there a class action lawsuit against Prevacid?
- 6.How long do I have to file a Prevacid lawsuit?
- 7. Can I still file a lawsuit if I’m currently taking Prevacid?
- 8. What evidence do I need for a successful Prevacid lawsuit?
- 9. Are there alternatives to Prevacid that don’t carry the same risks?
- 10. How do I find a qualified attorney for my Prevacid lawsuit?
- Get a Free Prevacid Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Class Action Lawsuit Against Prevacid Overview
Prevacid lawsuits allege that Takeda Pharmaceuticals failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about serious kidney risks associated with long-term use of their proton pump inhibitor medication.
These lawsuits claim that despite growing evidence linking PPIs to kidney disease, kidney failure, and other serious complications, manufacturers continued to promote these drugs without adequate warnings for extended use.
With doctors writing nearly 115 million prescriptions for PPIs each year nationwide, the scale of this health issue is substantial.
Many patients who took Prevacid for extended periods have developed serious kidney problems requiring hospitalization, dialysis, or even transplants.
The litigation focuses on claims that Takeda knew or should have known about these risks but prioritized profits over patient safety by not providing proper warnings.
Other Takeda Pharmaceuticals Lawsuit We’ve Taken On:
- Uloric Lawsuit
- Actos Lawsuit
- Oseni Lawsuit
- Nesina Lawsuit
Latest Prevacid Lawsuit Updates
- April 1, 2025 – Drugwatch reports that Prevacid users are among thousands of PPI plaintiffs alleging kidney damage due to drugmakers’ failure to disclose risks—claims now part of nationwide litigation [1].
- November 12, 2024 – According to ConsumerSafety.org, Prevacid is among several proton pump inhibitors at the center of lawsuits alleging kidney damage and failure to warn patients of serious risks.
Research Reports and Statistics
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), researchers examined 10,482 subjects in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study to assess the impact of PPIs on kidney health [2]:
- Patients were monitored for a median of 13.9 years.
- At the beginning of the study, 3.1% (322 subjects) regularly used PPIs.
- After adjusting for variables, PPIs, including Prevacid, were linked to a 20–50% increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- The average participant age was 63 years old (with a standard deviation of 5.6 years).
- 43.9% of participants were male.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 13.6% of U.S. adults, significantly increasing the risk of death and cardiovascular events.
- PPIs are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S., yet an estimated 25% to 70% of prescriptions lack appropriate medical justification.
A study published in Gut (affiliated with the British Society of Gastroenterology) found that extended use of PPIs (3 years or more) can elevate the risk of stomach cancer by up to 144% [3].
For short-term treatment, the drugs have proved safe for blocking too much 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, the researchers found.
Prevacid Injuries & Side Effects
Prolonged use of Prevacid and other proton pump inhibitors has been linked to a range of serious health complications, particularly affecting the kidneys, heart, lungs, and digestive system.
- Kidney Injuries: Acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Increased risk of heart failure and death in patients with coronary artery disease.
- Digestive System Damage: Increased risk of stomach cancer (up to 250% with extended use).
- Neurological Complications: Brain function loss (hepatic encephalopathy) and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).
- Respiratory Problems: 89% increased risk of pneumonia in dementia patients.
- Bone Fractures: Increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue).
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Magnesium, vitamin B12, and other nutrient deficiencies.
A new case study suggests that a skeletal muscle disorder known as rhabdomyolysis may be another potential side effect of proton pump inhibitors.
According to the Medicine Journal study, the Organization described a 45-year-old patient who developed the condition shortly after being treated with an intravenous dose of Nexium (esomeprazole) for chest pain. The findings were published in last month’s edition of Medicine [4].
Kidney Failure Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sleep problems
- Urinating more or less
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling of feet and ankles
- Dry, itchy skin
- High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s difficult to control
- Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs
- Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
Do You Qualify for a Prevacid Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Prevacid lawsuit if:
- You used Prevacid or another PPI regularly for at least several months.
- You experienced serious side effects including kidney disease, kidney failure, acute kidney injury, or other serious complications.
- The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Prevacid use.
- Your claim is within the statute of limitations for your state (typically 1-3 years from discovery of injury).
Evidence Required for a Prevacid Lawsuit
To strengthen your case, you’ll need to gather the following documentation:
- Medical Records: Blood tests, urinalysis, kidney function tests (glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine levels), and imaging (MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds).
- Specialist Evaluations: Reports from nephrologists (kidney specialists) or gastroenterologists confirming the link between Prevacid and your diagnosed condition.
- Prescription Records: Pharmacy records proving continuous use of Prevacid or another PPI over time.
- Timeline of Symptoms: A detailed timeline documenting the onset of symptoms, medical visits, and progression of the disease.
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of Prevacid-related injuries may be eligible for compensation that includes:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital visits, surgeries, dialysis treatments, and ongoing care related to kidney disease.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work for treatment or disability caused by kidney failure.
- Future Medical Expenses: Coverage for ongoing treatments, potential transplants, and long-term care.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where manufacturers demonstrated negligence or recklessness.
Prevacid Recall Information
As of April 10, 2025, there has not been a widespread recall of Prevacid.
However, the FDA has issued multiple safety communications regarding proton pump inhibitors:
- In 2010, the FDA required a label change for all PPIs to include information about possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine.
- In 2012, the FDA issued a safety announcement about the potential increased risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea with PPI use.
- In 2014, the FDA added warnings about acute interstitial nephritis to PPI labels.
Statute of Limitations for Prevacid Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Prevacid lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1 to 3 years from the date when the injury was discovered or should have been reasonably discovered. Some states have specific rules:
- California: 2 years from discovery of injury
- New York: 3 years from injury discovery
- Texas: 2 years from injury discovery
- Florida: 4 years from injury discovery
- Kentucky & Louisiana: Shorter time limits for filing product liability lawsuits
Because the statute of limitations can significantly impact your ability to file a claim, consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to preserve your legal rights.
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FAQs
1. What is Prevacid and why is it prescribed?
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production. It’s prescribed for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and other acid-related conditions. It works by blocking the enzyme system responsible for acid secretion in the stomach.
2. What are the serious risks associated with Prevacid use?
Long-term Prevacid use has been linked to serious kidney problems (acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure), increased risk of stomach cancer (up to 250% with extended use), heart failure in patients with existing heart disease, pneumonia, bone fractures, and neurological complications.
If you’ve been taking Prevacid regularly and experience symptoms like decreased urination, swelling in extremities, fatigue, shortness of breath, or confusion, these could indicate kidney issues related to PPI use. Medical tests showing declining kidney function following Prevacid use can help establish a connection.
4. What compensation might I receive from a Prevacid lawsuit?
Compensation may include coverage for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Recent similar PPI lawsuits have resulted in settlements in the hundreds of millions of dollars, with individual compensation varying based on injury severity and case specifics.
5. Is there a class action lawsuit against Prevacid?
Rather than a single class action, Prevacid lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in New Jersey. This consolidation helps streamline pretrial proceedings while preserving each plaintiff’s right to an individual settlement based on their specific circumstances and damages.
6.How long do I have to file a Prevacid lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years from when you discovered or should have discovered your injury. Some states may extend this period under certain circumstances, particularly if the connection between Prevacid and your condition wasn’t immediately apparent.
7. Can I still file a lawsuit if I’m currently taking Prevacid?
Yes, you can still file a lawsuit while taking Prevacid if you’ve suffered injuries linked to its use. However, always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, as stopping abruptly could worsen underlying conditions.
8. What evidence do I need for a successful Prevacid lawsuit?
Strong cases typically include medical records documenting your Prevacid use, evidence of kidney or other injuries, specialist opinions linking your condition to PPI use, prescription records showing duration of use, and documentation of all related medical expenses and lost income.
9. Are there alternatives to Prevacid that don’t carry the same risks?
Yes, alternatives include H2 blockers (like Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) which have fewer long-term risks, antacids for occasional heartburn, and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, weight management, and avoiding trigger foods. Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
10. How do I find a qualified attorney for my Prevacid lawsuit?
Look for attorneys with specific experience in pharmaceutical litigation, particularly those who have handled PPI lawsuits. Many offer free consultations to evaluate your case. Schmidt & Clark, LLP specializes in these cases and can provide an initial evaluation at no cost.
Related Article: Prevacid Class Action Lawsuit
Check out the other similar dangerous drug lawsuits we’ve taken on.
Get a Free Prevacid Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The time to pursue legal action for Prevacid-related injuries is limited. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the discovery of your injury to file a claim.
Waiting too long could permanently forfeit your right to compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we understand the devastating impact that Prevacid-related kidney disease and other complications can have on your life.
Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation they deserve.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Personalized attention to your unique situation
- Extensive experience with pharmaceutical litigation
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you have kidney problems after taking a heartburn medication, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a Prevacid lawsuit and our lawyers can help.
References:
- https://www.drugwatch.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/lawsuits/
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/population-and-epidemiology-studies
- http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2017/09/18/gutjnl-2017-314605
- http://journals.lww.com/mdjournal/Fulltext/2016/07190/Rhabdomyolysis_associated_with_single_dose.50.aspx