As we have noted before, the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors has been linked to an increased risk of serious conditions including heart disease, dementia, and more. Before now, however, researchers were not sure of why this was the case. Now, a publication in the journal Circulation Research brought to light some possible answers. According to researchers, “Vascular cells chronically exposed in vitro to PPIs led to a buildup of cellular garbage in cellular linings, thus accelerating blood vessel aging.”
Studies suggest that roughly one in every 14 Americans use some kind of PPI such as Prilosec to help with heartburn and acid reflux. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved the PPI for use up to four weeks at a time. Studies state that up to 70% of the use of PPIs may be for inappropriate reasons.
A 2013 study showed that PPIs helped to decrease the nitric oxide in the endothelial cells. Unfortunately, this can impact a person’s cardiovascular health. A 2015 study showed a 20% increase in the risk of heart attack in individuals who used PPIs for a longer period of time.
The most recent study placed Nexium and another PPI against an H2 blocker by exposing endothelial cells to the medications for a number of weeks. Those cells exposed to the PPIs had what researchers described as the “fried egg” look. As a result, researches claim that chronic PPI use can impair the lysosomes while the H2 blocker had no effect.
On one of our earlier blogs, we discussed the link between PPI use and kidney failure. This is just another study that supports the dangers involved with prolonged use of these types of medications and how they can impact a person’s body. According to the research, individuals using PPIs were 20% to 50% more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.
If you or someone you love has taken a proton pump inhibitor for a prolonged period of time and have developed heart disease, dementia, or chronic kidney failure, now is the time to take action and seek legal counsel.
At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, we are well aware of how individuals may be harmed by the use of certain drugs. Unfortunately, the results can be extremely serious and leave individuals facing serious hospital trips and more. It is our goal to help you hold the manufacturer of these drugs accountable if they cause harm as a result of PPI use. We encourage you to call our PPI injury lawyers today to discuss your rights in a free consultation and learn what rights and options you may have.
PPI manufacturers should not get away with causing harm to another party. Call today.