Protonix (generic: pantoprazole) is a heartburn medication used to treat numerous conditions that involve excess stomach acid. Unfortunately, patients who take this drug, may be doing so without knowing about potentially dangerous Protonix side effects. An increased rate of Protonix bone fracture has become synonymous with this medication.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Protonix, 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?
During the digestive process, countless pumps in the stomach produce acid in order to break down food. Heartburn occurs the moment excess acids reflux into your esophagus. A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication, like Protonix, attempts to inhibit the acid production from these pumps. As a result, Protonix effectively blocks heartburn or any other complication brought on by excess stomach acid reflux.
Unfortunately, Protonix side effects may be more severe than the complications it is intended to eliminate. Patients who take this heartburn medication, may be doing so without knowing about its potentially hazardous Protonix side effects. Those who use Protonix may increase their risk of severe bone fractures in the wrist, hip and spine. For this reason, many people have begun to file Protonix lawsuits.
Protonix Side Effects
Protonix 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
Protonix Bone Fracture
Federal health regulators are taking it upon themselves to warn everyone that popular proton pump inhibitor heartburn medications like Protonix may cause severe bone fractures in the wrist, hip and spine when used for extended amounts of time. Recent studies suggest that the continual use of Protonix may lead to an increased risk of severe bone fractures in patients who use the drug to combat heartburn.
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 Protonix. 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 Protonix 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 Protonix lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Protonix, 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.