Protonix Lawsuit | 2024 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced kidney disease, renal failure, heart attack, stomach cancer, bone fractures, or other serious side effects following the use of Protonix, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous pharmaceutical drugs.

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.

Protonix Lawsuit Overview

The Protonix lawsuits focus on allegations that Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories (now part of Pfizer) failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about serious health risks associated with this proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication.

Plaintiffs claim that long-term use of Protonix can lead to severe kidney damage, including chronic kidney disease and renal failure, as well as bone fractures, heart attacks, and stomach cancer.

Studies have shown a 20-50% increased risk of chronic kidney disease among PPI users compared to non-users, and these medications have been linked to a 25% greater risk of death compared to patients who took alternative heartburn treatments.

Latest Protonix 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, including Protonix, be consolidated in the District of New Jersey for pretrial handling.

This decision reversed the panel’s previous ruling from February, with the change attributed to the substantial increase in case numbers and the fact that defendants AstraZeneca and Pfizer now support centralization.

July 5, 2017 – A study published in BMJ linked proton pump inhibitors like Protonix to a 25% greater risk of death compared to patients who took H2 blockers [1].

The research also found that PPI use was associated with a 15% increased death rate compared to patients who took another kind of acid suppressor other than H2 blockers, and a 23% higher death rate among PPI users compared to people who took no such medications.

April 5, 2017 – Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that 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.

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 – A study published in PLOS ONE linked proton pump inhibitor heartburn medicines to an increased risk for heart failure and death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) [2].

Researchers found that PPIs, commonly used to prevent complications in CAD patients treated with chronic antiplatelet therapy, may increase the risk of adverse health consequences including pneumonia, micronutrient deficiencies, and osteoporosis-related fractures.

December 1, 2017 – Protonix and other acid reflux drugs from the proton pump inhibitor class were linked to a greater-than-doubled risk of developing stomach cancer, according to a new study [3].

The increased risk is associated with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, which is carried by more than half of the world’s population.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA has issued multiple safety communications regarding proton pump inhibitors like Protonix over the years.

Their adverse event reporting system (FAERS) has documented thousands of cases of kidney injury potentially linked to these medications.

According to data from studies cited in JAMA Internal Medicine, when researchers examined the records of over 10,000 patients treated in community-based settings, they found a 20-50% increased risk of chronic kidney disease among PPI users compared to non-users [4].

This link was further confirmed when the study’s authors examined the records of more than 248,000 people treated in a Pennsylvania hospital system.

Additional statistics show concerning health impacts:

• Long-term use of PPIs in older patients may increase the risk of suffering hip fractures by up to 25%
• A 28% increased risk of chronic kidney disease for proton pump inhibitor users compared to those taking H2 blockers, according to research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
• 15% of PPI users developed chronic kidney disease, compared to 11% of those who took histamine H2 receptor blockers

Protonix Injuries & Side Effects

Protonix (pantoprazole) has been associated with numerous serious side effects, particularly with long-term use, that have prompted patients to file lawsuits against the manufacturer.

• Kidney Damage: Acute interstitial nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and kidney failure (renal failure)
• Cardiovascular Issues: Heart attack, heart failure, and increased mortality in patients with coronary artery disease
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Stomach cancer, gut infections including C. difficile and Campylobacter bacteria
• Bone Health Concerns: Bone fractures (hip fracture, wrist fracture, spine fracture) and broken bones due to calcium malabsorption
• Neurological Effects: Dementia, hepatic encephalopathy (brain function loss), and cognitive impairment
• Other Serious Effects: Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), pneumonia (especially in dementia patients), rhabdomyolysis, and dermatological reactions

September 26, 2016

– A case report published last month in the journal Medicine suggests that an intravenous dose of the proton pump inhibitor Nexium (esomeprazole) may have caused a patient to develop rhabdomyolysis [5]. Over time, this serious muscle disorder can lead to kidney damage and renal failure, side effects that have been repeatedly linked to the use of PPIs.

September 1, 2016 – Proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of loss of brain function (hepatic encephalopathy or “HE”) and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), according to a new study published in the journal Hepatology [6].

The researchers found that PPIs’ mechanism of action in decreasing gastric acid production and increasing the pH of the stomach can cause gut bacteria to overpopulate and pass into the blood or lymph nodes. PPI-induced bacterial overgrowth may lead to hepatic encephalopathy, according to the study.

August 19, 2016 – A recent study published in the International Journal of Cardiology linked prolonged PPI use to a worsening of red blood count indexes, lower weight and underutilization of cardioprotective medications [7]. The research strengthened early studies which connected PPIs to poor cardiovascular outcomes.

April 14, 2016 – Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may lead to an increased risk for kidney disease and renal failure, new research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) suggests [8].

The study found that 15% of PPI users developed chronic kidney disease (CKD), compared to 11% of those who took histamine H2 receptor blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac).

After calculating for variables including age and other diseases, this equaled a 28% increased risk of CKD for proton pump inhibitor users.

Do You Qualify for a Protonix Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Protonix lawsuit if:

• You were prescribed and took Protonix for an extended period (typically several months or longer)
• You experienced serious side effects such as kidney disease, kidney failure, bone fractures, heart attack, or stomach cancer after taking the medication
• You required medical treatment, hospitalization, or ongoing care for these injuries
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Protonix use
• You were not adequately warned about these potential side effects before taking the medication

Evidence Required for a Protonix Lawsuit

To strengthen your case against the manufacturer, you should gather:

• Medical records documenting your Protonix prescription history (dosage, duration of use)
• Pharmacy records confirming your Protonix purchases
• Documentation of diagnoses related to kidney disease, bone fractures, or other PPI-related injuries
• Medical test results showing decline in kidney function or other relevant health changes
• Records of hospitalizations or treatments for PPI-related injuries
• Documentation of conversations with healthcare providers about Protonix and its side effects

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of Protonix-related injuries may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses for treatment of kidney disease, fractures, or other PPI-related injuries
• Costs of ongoing medical care, including dialysis or kidney transplantation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering associated with your injuries
• Emotional distress caused by your injuries and treatments
• Punitive damages in cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious

Hawaii to Recover $400K in Protonix Settlement

April 29, 2016

– Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin announced this week that the state had agreed to settle allegations against Wyeth, resolving allegations that the company knowingly underpaid rebates owed under Medicaid for Protonix Oral and Protonix IV sales between 2001 and 2006, according to Bizjournals [9].

Per the agreement, Wyeth will pay $784.6 million to the federal and state governments. Approximately $371 million of the $784.6 million settlement will go to the Medicaid Program, and Hawaii’s share is $420,337.77.

Protonix Recall Information

While Protonix has not been subject to a complete recall, there have been multiple regulatory actions and warnings regarding proton pump inhibitors:

• In 2010, the FDA required a label change for all PPIs to include information about a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine
• In 2011, the FDA updated PPI warnings to note that long-term use might lead to low magnesium levels
• In 2014, the FDA required another labeling update to include the risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea
• In 2016, the FDA added warnings about kidney damage, including acute interstitial nephritis

Despite mounting evidence of serious side effects, Protonix and other PPIs remain on the market with warnings that many plaintiffs claim are still inadequate to protect patients.

Statute of Limitations for Protonix Lawsuits

The time limit to file a Protonix lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that your injury was related to Protonix use. This is known as the “discovery rule” in many jurisdictions.

Some important considerations regarding the statute of limitations:

• In most states, the clock starts ticking when you first learn of both your injury and its potential connection to Protonix
• Some states have stricter time limits than others, with some as short as one year
• The statute of limitations for product liability claims may differ from those for personal injury
• Special rules may apply if the injured person is a minor or is mentally incapacitated

Because these timeframes can be complicated and vary significantly between jurisdictions, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after discovering a potential Protonix-related injury.

Related Articles:

• Zantac Cancer Lawsuit Case, Lawyer & Attorney
• Dexilant Kidney Failure Suit
• Vimovo (Esomeprazole and Naproxen) Suit
• Prilosec Renal Failure Lawsuit

FAQs

1. What compensation might I receive from a Protonix lawsuit?

Compensation from a Protonix lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, costs for ongoing medical care, and other related damages. In cases of severe injury or death, compensation may also cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

2. Is there a deadline for filing a Protonix lawsuit?

Yes, there are statutes of limitations for filing such lawsuits, which vary by state. It is crucial to act promptly and consult with an attorney to ensure you file within the required timeframe, typically ranging from one to several years.

3. What evidence is needed to support a Protonix lawsuit?

Evidence needed can include medical records showing the use of Protonix and the subsequent health issues, proof of prescription, expert testimony linking the health issues to Protonix, and any communication with healthcare providers regarding the side effects.

4. Can I join a class action lawsuit if I have been harmed by Protonix?

Yes, if a class action lawsuit is underway, you may be eligible to join it if your circumstances are similar to those of other plaintiffs. Class action lawsuits can combine multiple similar cases to strengthen the overall claim.

5. How long does a Protonix lawsuit typically take to resolve?

The timeline for resolving a Protonix lawsuit varies greatly depending on case complexity, evidence strength, and whether it goes to trial or settles. Many pharmaceutical lawsuits take 1-3 years to conclude, though some complex cases may take longer.

See the other defective pharmaceuticals suits we’ve taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by Protonix. Each state has specific statutes of limitations that restrict the time you have to file a lawsuit after discovering your injury, typically ranging from 1-3 years.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential Protonix case
• No upfront costs or fees – we only get paid if we win your case
• Experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys who understand the complexities of dangerous drug cases
• Personalized attention to your unique circumstances and injuries

Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you were injured by Protonix side effects, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

References

1. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/6/e015735
2. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0169826
3. http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2017/09/18/gutjnl-2017-314605
4. http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2481157
5. http://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2016/07190/Rhabdomyolysis_associated_with_single_dose.50.aspx
6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hep.28737/abstract
7. https://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273(16)31065-8/abstract
8. http://journals.lww.com/jasn/pages/default.aspx
9. https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2016/04/27/hawaii-to-recover-400k-in-protonix-drug.html