Published by If you or a loved one experienced kidney failure, heart attack, stomach cancer, bone fractures, or other serious side effects following the use of Zegerid, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, 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 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
Zegerid Lawsuit Overview
The Zegerid lawsuits center on allegations that manufacturers Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Santarus 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 Zegerid can lead to severe kidney damage, including chronic kidney disease and renal failure, as well as increased risks of heart attack, stomach cancer, and bone fractures.
Studies have shown up to a 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 Zegerid 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 Zegerid, 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 Zegerid 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 are commonly used to prevent complications in CAD patients treated with chronic antiplatelet therapy, but may increase the risk of adverse health consequences including pneumonia, micronutrient deficiencies, and osteoporosis-related fractures.
December 1, 2017 – Zegerid 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 study published in the medical journal Gut [3].
The research eliminated Helicobacter pylori, the type of bacteria suspected of fueling the illness’s development, providing stronger evidence of PPIs’ direct role in cancer risk.
FDA Reports and Statistics
The FDA has issued multiple safety communications regarding proton pump inhibitors like Zegerid over the years.
In May 2010, the FDA required that additional information be provided about the risk of Zegerid bone fractures on its packaging as well as the packaging of other similar heartburn medications [4].
According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), thousands of serious adverse events potentially linked to PPIs have been reported, including:
- Acute interstitial nephritis and other kidney-related conditions
- Bone fractures, particularly of the hip, wrist, and spine
- Cardiovascular events including heart attacks
- Clostridium difficile infections
- Low magnesium levels requiring medical intervention
Studies cited in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that among 10,482 test subjects, PPI use was associated with a 45% increased risk of chronic kidney disease compared to patients who did not take the medications.
When the figures were adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic and clinical variables, a 50% increased risk was detected [5].
Additional research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that over 5 years of follow-up, 15% of PPI users were diagnosed with kidney disease, compared to 11% of those on H2-blockers.
After controlling for other factors, this translated to a 28% increased risk of chronic kidney disease for proton pump inhibitor users.
Zegerid Injuries & Side Effects
Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) has been associated with numerous serious side effects, particularly with long-term use, that have prompted patients to file lawsuits against the manufacturers.
- 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 in patients with liver disease), and cognitive impairment
- Other Serious Effects: Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), pneumonia (especially in dementia patients), rhabdomyolysis, and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
Epidemiology studies suggest a possible increased risk of bone fractures with the use of proton pump inhibitors for one year or longer, or at high doses. Because these products are used by a great number of people, it’s important for the public to be aware of this possible increased risk and, when prescribing proton pump inhibitors, health care professionals should consider whether a lower dose or shorter duration of therapy would adequately treat the patient’s condition.”- Dr. Joyce Korvick, FDA’s Division of Gastroenterology Products Deputy Director for Safety.
September 26, 2016
– Side effects of the proton pump inhibitor Nexium (esomeprazole), applied intravenously in a single dose, caused a man to develop a debilitating muscle problem known as rhabdomyolysis, according a case report published last month in Medicine [6].
Doctors from Gyeongsang National University Hospital in South Korea report that the 45-year old patient suffered signs of muscular breakdown after being given an intravenous dose of Nexium. If untreated, rhabdomyolysis can quickly lead to kidney failure, a side effect that has been repeatedly linked to the use of PPIs.
September 1, 2016 – PPIs like Zegerid may cause loss of brain function (hepatic encephalopathy or “HE”) and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), according to new research published in the journal Hepatology [7].
In the study, 52% of patients took proton pump inhibitors during clinical trials, and they had a 31% cumulative 1-year risk for HE. Patients who did not use the medications had a 25% increased risk, the study found.
August 19, 2016 – Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Zegerid appear to have a negative effect on vascular function in patients with heart disease, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology [8].
Results showed that PPI users were 6x more likely to suffer from anemia, as well as have a worsening metabolic profile. The researchers concluded that patients and doctors should think twice before using PPIs drugs long-term.
April 14, 2016 – Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) acid reflux drugs like Zegerid could be increasing rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal failure, according to a study published today in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) [9].
The researchers looked at data from the Department of Veterans Affairs national databases. They found more than 170,000 new users of PPIs and compared them to over 20,000 new users of histamine H2 receptor blockers, another class of medication used to reduce stomach acid.
Over 5 years of follow-up, the results showed that 15% of PPI users were diagnosed with kidney disease, compared to 11% of those on H2-blockers. After controlling for other factors, including age and other diseases, this translated to a 28% increased risk of CKD for proton pump inhibitor users.
Do You Qualify for a Zegerid Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Zegerid lawsuit if:
- You were prescribed and took Zegerid or Zegerid OTC for an extended period
- You experienced serious side effects such as kidney disease, kidney failure, heart attack, bone fractures, 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 Zegerid use
- You were not adequately warned about these potential side effects before taking the medication
Evidence Required for a Zegerid Lawsuit
To strengthen your case against the manufacturer, you should gather:
- Medical records documenting your Zegerid prescription history (dosage, duration of use)
- Pharmacy records confirming your Zegerid 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 Zegerid and its side effects
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of Zegerid-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
Zegerid Recall Information
While Zegerid has not been subject to a complete recall, there have been multiple regulatory actions and warnings regarding proton pump inhibitors:
- In May 2010, the FDA required a label change for all PPIs, including Zegerid, to include information about the 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, Zegerid and other PPIs remain on the market with warnings that many plaintiffs claim are still inadequate to protect patients.
Statute of Limitations for Zegerid Lawsuits
The time limit to file a Zegerid 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 Zegerid 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 Zegerid
- 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 Zegerid-related injury.
Also read: Prilosec kidney disease lawsuit
FAQs
1. What compensation can be sought in a Zegerid lawsuit?
Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related damages. Compensation may also cover the cost of ongoing medical treatment and any long-term health impacts resulting from the use of Zegerid.
2. How can a lawyer help with a Zegerid lawsuit?
A lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation and product liability can help you understand your legal rights, gather necessary evidence, file the lawsuit, and represent you in negotiations or court to seek fair compensation for your injuries or losses.
3. Is there a time limit for filing a Zegerid lawsuit?
Yes, the statute of limitations for filing a pharmaceutical or product liability lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from one to three years from the date of injury or discovery of the harm. It is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you file within the allowable time period.
4. What should I do if I believe I have been harmed by Zegerid?
If you believe you have been harmed by Zegerid, seek medical attention and get screened for potential kidney issues. Document your symptoms and treatments, keep any remaining medication and packaging as evidence, and consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
5. Are there alternatives to Zegerid that don’t carry the same risks?
For mild heartburn, alternatives such as antacids (Tums, Rolaids), H2 blockers (Pepcid, Zantac), or lifestyle changes may be safer options. Always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping or changing medications, as they can recommend the best alternatives based on your specific health needs.
Check out our website to see which dangerous drugs cases our lawyers are currently taking.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by Zegerid. 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 depending on your location.
At Schmidt & Clark, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential Zegerid 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 the side effects of a 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
- https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/6/e015735
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0169826
- https://www.schmidtandclark.com/chicago-food-poisoning-lawyer
- https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm213377.htm
- http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2481157
- http://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2016/07190/Rhabdomyolysis_associated_with_single_dose.50.aspx
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hep.28737/abstract
- https://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273(16)31065-8/abstract
- http://journals.lww.com/jasn/pages/default.aspx