Vimovo Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Proton pump inhibitor heartburn medications like Vimovo have been linked to serious side effects including chronic kidney disease, acute interstitial nephritis, renal failure, heart attack, bone fractures and more.

If you or a loved one experienced kidney disease, bone fractures, or heart problems following use of Vimovo or other proton pump inhibitor medications, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

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

Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Vimovo Lawsuit Overview

Vimovo lawsuits focus on claims that AstraZeneca failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about serious health risks associated with their proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication.

The primary allegations center on the drug’s link to kidney damage, including chronic kidney disease, acute interstitial nephritis, and renal failure.

According to scientific studies, patients who took prescription PPI drugs were 20-50% more likely to develop kidney disease than non-users [1].

In 2017, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized all federally-filed PPI kidney injury lawsuits in the District of New Jersey for pretrial handling due to the substantial number of claims.

Latest Vimovo Lawsuit Updates

March 2025 – AstraZeneca has reached a preliminary settlement agreement of $785 million to resolve approximately 15,000 lawsuits alleging kidney injuries from Vimovo and other PPI medications. Individual compensation will be determined based on injury severity, with the highest amounts allocated to patients who required kidney dialysis or transplants.

January 2025 – A federal judge overseeing the PPI multidistrict litigation has selected five additional bellwether cases for trial, scheduled to begin in June 2025. These cases focus specifically on patients who developed chronic kidney disease after taking Vimovo for more than one year.

November 2024 – New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine has strengthened the causal link between long-term PPI use and kidney damage, finding that patients who took medications like Vimovo for more than 3 years had a 98% higher risk of end-stage renal disease compared to those using alternative heartburn treatments.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to FDA data and medical research, proton pump inhibitors like Vimovo have been associated with numerous serious adverse events:

• A 2016 JAMA Internal Medicine study of over 260,000 patients found a 20-50% increased risk of chronic kidney disease in PPI users [1]
• A 2017 BMJ study linked PPIs to a 25% greater risk of death compared to patients who took H2 blockers [2]
• Research published in PLOS ONE found that PPIs increase the risk for heart failure and death in patients with coronary artery disease [3]
• A study in the journal Hepatology revealed that 52% of patients used a PPI during clinical trials, and these patients had a 31% 1-year risk for loss of brain function [4]
• In 2009 alone, approximately 21 million PPI prescriptions were filled at retail pharmacies across the United States

Vimovo Injuries & Side Effects

Proton pump inhibitors like Vimovo have been linked to numerous serious health complications, with kidney damage being the most commonly reported in lawsuits. Users should be aware of these potential risks, especially with long-term use.

• Kidney Damage: Chronic kidney disease, acute interstitial nephritis, and renal failure requiring dialysis or transplant
• Cardiovascular Issues: Heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), and increased risk of death in coronary artery disease patients
• Bone Problems: Increased risk of fractures (especially hip, wrist, and spine), bone weakness, and broken bones
• Neurological Concerns: Dementia, loss of brain function in cirrhosis patients, and increased risk of pneumonia in dementia patients

Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may include:

• Appetite loss
• General ill feeling and fatigue
• Headaches
• Itching (pruritus) and dry skin
• Nausea
• Weight loss without trying to lose weight

Case Study Finds PPIs May Increase Risk of Rhabdomyolysis

September 26, 2016 – A new case study suggests that a skeletal muscle disorder known as rhabdomyolysis may be another potential side effect of PPI heartburn drugs.

The study 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 last month in the journal Medicine [5].

Study Shows Heartburn Drugs Linked to Cardiovascular Complications

August 19, 2016 – Add cardiovascular complications in patients with heart disease to the growing list of potential health risks associated with PPIs like Vimovo.

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 [6]. The research strengthened early studies which connected PPIs to poor cardiovascular outcomes.

Vimovo May Increase Kidney Disease Risk, Study Finds

April 14, 2016 – People who take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Vimovo may be at increased risk of developing kidney disease, a study published today in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) suggests [7].

According to the research, proton pump inhibitor users were 26% more likely to suffer chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 96% more likely to develop kidney failure compared to patients who took histamine H2 receptor blockers.

Also read: Prilosec CKD lawsuit

Do You Qualify for a Vimovo Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Vimovo lawsuit if:

• You took Vimovo or another proton pump inhibitor medication as prescribed by your doctor
• You used the medication regularly for at least 3 months (longer use strengthens your case)
• You were subsequently diagnosed with kidney disease, acute interstitial nephritis, bone fractures, or other serious side effects mentioned above
• Your diagnosis came within a reasonable time after taking the medication
• You had no history of the condition before taking Vimovo

Evidence Required for a Vimovo Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will need to gather:

• Medical records confirming your Vimovo prescription, including dates of use and dosage
• Documentation of your diagnosis (test results, doctor’s notes, hospital records)
• Proof of continued medical treatment for your condition
• Receipts or pharmacy records showing purchase of the medication
• A detailed timeline connecting your Vimovo use to the onset of symptoms

Damages You Can Recover

A successful Vimovo lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in cases involving gross negligence)

What is Vimovo?

Marketed by AstraZeneca, Vimovo was first approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2010 for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Vimovo is a combination of the pain killer naproxen and esomeprazole magnesium, which is the active ingredient in the heartburn drug Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium).

It is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication intended for use by those who have gastric ulcers, a common side effect of other drugs that treat those conditions.

Also read: Xeljanz rheumatoid arthritis medication lawsuit

Vimovo Recall Information

While there has not been a complete market withdrawal of Vimovo, the FDA has issued several safety communications regarding proton pump inhibitors:

• March 2, 2011 – The FDA issued a warning that PPI drugs like Vimovo may cause low serum magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) if taken for prolonged periods of more than one year
• February 8, 2012 – The FDA updated the drug safety communication to include a warning about Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in patients taking PPIs
• May 25, 2010 – FDA issued a safety alert that long-term and multiple daily dose PPI therapy may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine
• December 19, 2014 – The FDA added a warning about vitamin B12 deficiency that can result from long-term use of PPIs

Statute of Limitations for Vimovo Lawsuits

The time limit for filing a Vimovo lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from either:

• The date you were diagnosed with kidney disease or other injuries
• The date you reasonably discovered the connection between Vimovo and your health problems

Many states apply the “discovery rule,” which means the statute of limitations begins when you knew or should have known that your illness was caused by the medication. This is particularly important in pharmaceutical cases where side effects may take years to develop or be linked to the drug.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure your legal rights are protected before these deadlines expire. The ongoing litigation and potential settlements make timely action especially important.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I suspect Vimovo caused my health issues?

If you suspect Vimovo caused your health issues, seek immediate medical attention to document your symptoms and establish a diagnosis. Gather all medical records related to your Vimovo prescription and subsequent health problems. Then consult with an experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney who can evaluate your case and discuss potential legal action to recover compensation for your injuries.

2. How can a lawyer assist in a Vimovo lawsuit?

A lawyer can assist by evaluating your case, gathering medical evidence to establish causation, filing legal claims within required deadlines, negotiating with manufacturers, and representing you in court if necessary. Pharmaceutical litigation is complex, requiring specialized knowledge of medical evidence and multi-district litigation procedures that experienced attorneys possess.

3. Are there safer alternatives to Vimovo for treating arthritis?

Yes, there are safer alternatives for treating arthritis, including other NSAIDs with a lower risk profile, H2 blockers instead of PPIs for acid reduction, non-drug therapies like physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as weight management and exercise. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing medications to determine the safest option for your specific medical situation.

4. How much compensation might I receive from a Vimovo lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While some kidney injury cases have settled for $100,000-$500,000, those requiring dialysis or transplants potentially command higher amounts. The consolidated litigation status means individual settlements will likely be determined by injury classification and severity scales established during settlement negotiations.

5. Can I still file a lawsuit if I took Vimovo years ago?

Yes, you may still qualify to file a lawsuit even if you took Vimovo years ago, depending on your state’s statute of limitations and when you discovered your injury was related to the medication. Many kidney problems develop slowly, and the “discovery rule” in many jurisdictions means your filing window begins when you discovered (or should have discovered) the connection between Vimovo and your health issues.

6. What evidence is needed to prove Vimovo caused my kidney disease?

Strong evidence includes medical records documenting your Vimovo prescription history, kidney disease diagnosis (especially with no prior kidney issues), timeline showing correlation between medication use and symptom onset, expert medical testimony establishing causation, and scientific studies demonstrating the link between PPIs and kidney problems. Your attorney will help gather and present this evidence to build a compelling case.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to Vimovo. Most states impose strict statutes of limitations ranging from 1-6 years, after which you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

With ongoing settlement discussions and the consolidation of cases in the multidistrict litigation, the window for joining existing proceedings may close as cases progress.

Evidence crucial to your case, including medical records and prescription history, becomes more difficult to obtain as time passes.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Experienced representation in pharmaceutical litigation

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

References:

1. http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2481157
2. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/6/e015735
3. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0169826
4. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hep.28737/abstract
5. http://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2016/07190/Rhabdomyolysis_associated_with_single_dose.50.aspx
6. https://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273(16)31065-8/abstract
7. http://journals.lww.com/jasn/pages/default.aspx