Also known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Prevacid (generic: lansoprazole) works to decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach so that patients may treat the symptoms of excessive stomach acid. Unfortunately, this medication has been associated with harmful Prevacid side effects. Patients who use Prevacid may develop weaker bones that results in severe bone fractures.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Prevacid, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
Prevacid was introduced to the U.S. market as a medication used in the treatment of heartburn and related complications. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or anything caused by excessive amounts of stomach acid. GERD is a condition in which the backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury to the esophagus. Lansoprazole, the active ingredient that makes up Prevacid, helps to alleviate the symptoms of excessive stomach acid by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Unfortunately, patients who use this medication may be unaware of the dangerous Prevacid side effects that coincide with it. Taking a proton pump inhibitor such as Prevacid may increase your risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine. For these reasons, the developer of this drug has been targeted by numerous Prevacid lawsuits.
Prevacid Side Effects
Prevacid side effects include the following:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Chest Pain
- Dark urine
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Increased rate of bone fracture
Prevacid Bone Fracture
Studies suggest that the use of proton pump inhibitors like Prevacid, may increase the risk of bone deterioration and ultimately Prevacid bone fractures. Recently, the developer had to update their warning label, saying that bone fractures appeared to be linked to Prevacid in high doses or over a long period of time.
In fact, a PPI bone fracture lawsuit was recently filed on April 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. According to the plaintiff, she suffered a broken leg in July 2005 and again in 2007 due to bone deterioration while on Prevacid.
FDA Bone Fracture Warning
The FDA issued a warning to consumers and health care professionals about a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with proton pump inhibitors like Prevacid. The product labeling will be changed to describe this possible increased risk.
“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,” said Joyce Korvick, M.D., deputy director for safety in FDA’s Division of Gastroenterology Products.
FDA’s warning and decision to revise the labeling of proton pump inhibitors are based on the Agency’s review of several epidemiological studies that reported an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine in patients using proton pump inhibitors.
Do I have a Prevacid Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Prevacid lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Prevacid, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.