The Department of Justice announced the Protonix settlement on Wednesday, concluding an investigation that has been on-going for many years. Pfizer gave no admission of guilt as part of the deal, and the conduct ceased three years before Pfizer purchased Wyeth in 2009, according to the Justice Department.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Protonix?
Protonix Class Action Lawsuit. Recent studies have found that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) heartburn medications like Protonix (generic: pantoprazole) may increase the risk of long-term kidney damage which could result in renal failure or even death.
Can I sue Protonix for a kidney injury?
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you suffered a kidney injury and you believe Protonix may be the cause, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and our lawyers can help.
Why are there so many PPI lawsuits?
PPI lawsuits blame the drugs for causing kidney disease, kidney failure and acute interstitial nephritis, or AIN. Lawsuits against Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix and other PPI brands claim manufacturers AstraZeneca, Takeda and Pfizer failed to warn of the dangers of proton pump inhibitors.
What was the settlement for the Prilosec case?
The case ended with a Prilosec lawsuit settlement of $20 million paid out to the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, thousands of additional PPI lawsuits have been filed against the company and other drug manufacturers in state and federal court. Prilosec and Nexium Lawsuits
Has any cases been settled in the proton pump inhibitor case?
So far there have been no PPI lawsuit settlements associated with the case consolidation. However, the first bellwether trial is scheduled for September 2020, giving additional plaintiffs plenty of time to get involved with the growing litigation.
Does pantoprazole cause kidney damage?
The underlying mechanism of pantoprazole-induced acute kidney injury is complex. Sensitivity to pantoprazole is the primary reason for the onset of acute kidney injury and may only be confirmed by renal pathology (27).
Can PPI cause permanent damage?
Despite their ease of availability and common use, PPIs can have severe side effects. The long-term consequences of chronic PPI use include the potential increased risk of hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, Clostridium difficile infections, and pneumonia.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Nexium?
The first Nexium lawsuit will go to trial on October 12, 2022. January 19, 2022 Update: There are now 13,314 PPI lawsuits in the MDL class action lawsuit. This includes not only Nexium lawsuits but Prilosec lawsuits, Protonix lawsuits, Prevacid lawsuits, and Dexilant lawsuits.
What are the long term side effects of pantoprazole?
Taking pantoprazole for more than a year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including: bone fractures. gut infections. vitamin B12 deficiency – symptoms include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles.
Can pantoprazole hurt your liver?
Pantoprazole therapy is associated with a low rate of transient and asymptomatic serum aminotransferase elevations and is a rare cause of clinically apparent liver injury.
What is considered long term use of pantoprazole?
Prolonged pantoprazole therapy, also lasting up to 5 years, is also effective for the long term management of severe ulcers and reflux disease (Bardhan et al 2005).
What can I take instead of pantoprazole?
Protonix.Dexilant.Prilosec.Famotidine.Prevacid.Esomeprazole.
Is Protonix safe long term?
Long-term use warning: Long-term use of pantoprazole can lead to an increased risk of certain side effects and complications. These include: Increased risk of bone fracture in people taking higher, multiple daily doses for more than 1 year.
What class of drug is Protonix?
Pantoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Is pantoprazole better than Nexium?
Is Protonix or Nexium more effective? Clinical trials have shown that pantoprazole and esomeprazole are similarly effective. One clinical trial compared the effectiveness of 40 mg of pantoprazole to 40 mg of esomeprazole in patients with GERD.
What proton pump inhibitor has the least side effects?
Proton pump inhibitors have minimal side effects and few significant drug interactions, and they are generally considered safe for long-term treatment. The proton pump inhibitors omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, and the recently approved esomeprazole appear to have similar efficacy.
Can long term use of pantoprazole affect your kidneys?
The use of proton pump inhibitors – including Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole) – has been linked to an increased risk of kidney damage, kidney failure, and other serious side effects.
How long does it take for PPIs to damage the kidneys?
PPI use is associated with a higher risk of incident CKD. This association is greater for high doses and becomes apparent after three months' exposure.
What medications can damage your kidneys?
What Meds Might Hurt My Kidneys?Antibiotics.Diuretics.Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)Supplements.Laxatives.If You Have Kidney Disease, Other Medications Can Be Harmful.
Does pantoprazole affect creatinine levels?
Although our patient had been taking other medications, only pantoprazole is known to be associated with acute interstitial nephritis. Furthermore, the patient's creatinine level declined after he stopped taking pantoprazole.
Is There a Class Action?
No class action lawsuit has yet been filed over injuries allegedly caused by Protonix or any other PPI heartburn. Instead, our lawyers are investigating individual claims on behalf of people who suffered kidney damage after taking the drugs.
What is Protonix?
Protonix is used to treat peptic ulcer disease and certain esophageal problems such as acid reflux by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach makes. The drug relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing and persistent cough. Protonix is made by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2000.
What is class action litigation?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Protonix lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
What district is PPI lawsuit filed in?
Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) on Wednesday ordered that all federally-filed lawsuits involving kidney injuries from PPI heartburn drugs will be consolidated in the District of New Jersey for pretrial handling. The panel’s ruling marked an about-face from its previous opinion on the matter, having in February rejected a bid to create an MDL. The reason for the change was due to the litigation’s substantial increase in size since the initial ruling, and because 2 defendants who previously opposed centralization — AstraZeneca and Pfizer — are now in support of it, according to JPML.
Does Protonix cause kidney failure?
April 14, 2016 – Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like Protonix may cause an increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal failure, a new study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) suggests. The study found that 15% of PPI users developed CKD, compared to 11% of those who took histamine H2 receptor blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac ). After calculating for variables including age and other factors, this equaled a 28% increased risk of kidney disease for patients who took proton pump inhibitors.
Does Protonix cause rhabdomyolysis?
September 26, 2016 – A new case study has found that use of proton pump inhibitors like Protonix may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis, a syndrome caused by the release of muscle fibers into the bloodstream. The study describes the case of a 45-year-old man who was hospitalized for persistent lower chest pain and treated with a single intravenous dose of Nexium (esomeprazole), after which he developed rhabdomyolysis. The findings were published in the journal Medicine.
Can proton pump inhibitors cause kidney damage?
In 2013 alone, more than 15 million Americans filled a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor heartburn medication. PPIs are often used inappropriately and frequently taken for indefinite durations. The drugs have previously been linked to bone fractures, community-acquired pneumonia, Clostridium difficile infection, acute interstitial nephritis and acute kidney injury. And now a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has bolstered the evidence that PPI use is associated with an increased risk of long-term kidney damage.
What are the lawsuits against Protonix?
Potential Protonix lawsuits, Nexium lawsuits, Prilosec lawsuits and other claims over side effects of similar heartburn drugs are being pursued by lawyers on behalf of individuals diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal failure. The claims seek compensation from the drug manufacturers for failure to adequately warn about the potential risks associated with use of the drugs.
How much did Pfizer pay for Protonix?
Pfizer has agreed to pay $784.6 million to resolve claims that its Wyeth unit cheated the government out of hundreds of millions of dollars by selling certain versions of the heartburn drug Protonix to hospitals at hidden discounts, resulting in hefty Medicaid overpayments.
What is the Protonix settlement?
The Protonix settlement comes as Pfizer and manufacturers of other similar drugs, known as proton pump inhibitors, face potential litigation over failure to adequately warn about the kidney risks linked to the acid reflux drugs.
What is the most common PPI?
In addition to Protonix, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) include some of the most widely used brand name medications in the United States, including Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Dexilant, AcipHex and others. The drugs work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and are widely used by millions of Americans, since they are thought to carry few serious side effects.
What is whistleblower law?
Under federal law, whistleblowers who expose the fraud against the U.S. government by revealing information not publicly accessible are entitled to a portion of the money recovered. Whistleblowers must be the first to bring the case to the government’s attention and not publicize the lawsuit until the Department of Justice decides whether to join the prosecution of the case.
Did Wyeth initiate the Protonix program?
Wyeth allegedly initiated the program since it believed that patients given Protonix in the hospital would likely stay on the drug once they were discharged. However, since Medicaid never knew about the discounts, it ended up reimbursing for the full cost of the drugs, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in overpayments.
Does Protonix cause kidney disease?
That study suggested that users of Protonix, Nexium, Prilosec and other heartburn drugs may face a 50% higher kidney disease risk when compared to non-users.
What is the name of the drug that causes heartburn?
Protonix (pantoprazole) is a heartburn medication that is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which have been linked to reports of severe and potentially life-threatening side effects.
When was Protonix first used?
Protonix was introduced in 2000, as a treatment for throat ulcers caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is part of a widely used class of proton pump inhibitors, which have been prescribed to millions of Americans and include some of the most widely recognized brand name drugs, such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid.
When did Protonix expire?
Pfizer, which acquired the manufacturer of Protonix, Wyeth, successfully sued to halt generic sales until the patent expired in 2011, but generic Protonix equivalents are now widely available.
Does proton pump inhibitor cause kidney disease?
In January 2016, another study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine highlighted the Protonix kidney risks, finding that proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may increase the chances of individuals developing chronic kidney disease (CDK) by 50%.
Does Protonix cause kidney damage?
In December 2014, the FDA required new Protonix warnings about a risk of acute interstitial nephritis, which is a form of serious kidney damage that involves a sudden inflammation. This can lead to serious and long-term kidney injury, providing clear link to Protonix side effects.
Does Protonix cause cancer?
In late 2017, independent studies indicated that side effects of Protonix and other proton pump inhibitors may cause user to face a much higher risk of developing gastric cancer, which develops in the lining of the stomach. Cancer risks increased the longer individuals stayed on the medication, highlighting the impact caused by the drug maker’s failure to adequately research these problems and warn users and the medical community.
Is Protonix indiscriminate use?
Researchers highlighted the importance of doctors understanding the risk of acute interstitial nephritis and kidney injury with drugs like Protonix, indicating that patients should be monitored and indiscriminate use of the drugs should be discouraged.
What is Protonix?
Protonix is the brand-name for pantoprazole, a medication called a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) that prevents acid reflux by decreasing the amount of stomach acid.
What is the problem?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm. However, we are currently filing individual lawsuits rather than a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of Protonix. We are evaluating cases involving the following side effects:
When was Protonix approved?
Protonix was approved in 2000, but evidence linking PPIs and kidney problems has been growing since the early 1990s. After the FDA received dozens of case reports, the label on Protonix was updated in December 2013 to include acute interstitial nephritis — sudden kidney inflammation and swelling due to an allergic reaction.
How to contact a lawyer about kidney problems?
Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What are some examples of class actions?
Examples include discrimination, fraud, and selling defective products. It is very rare for consumer class actions to go to trial.
What are the functions of the kidneys?
The kidneys are two fist-sized organs that clean the blood, balance fluid levels, make hormones, and perform other essential functions. Kidney diseases can cause complications like anemia, weak bones, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.
Is Protonix good for kidney disease?
Protonix is an anti-heartburn medication that is linked to severe kidney damage, nephritis ( kidney inflammation), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), stomach cancer, and other side effects.
How much did Pfizer pay for Protonix?
The world’s largest drug maker, Pfizer Inc., will pay $55 million plus interest to settle charges by the U.S. Department of Justice that the acid reflux drug Protonix was promoted for unapproved uses. The allegations are based on the conduct of Wyeth in 2000 and 2001. Pfizer acquired Wyeth in 2009 for $68 billion.
What was Wyeth's marketing strategy for Protonix?
According to the Justice Department, one of Wyeth’s “core marketing tactics” for Protonix was to use such programs “to drive off-label use of the drug.” According to the complaint, Wyeth influenced virtually every aspect of these programs: program topics, speaker selection, organization, and content.
Is Protonix the best PPI for nighttime heartburn?
Wyeth also allegedly promoted Protonix as the “best PPI for nighttime heartburn.” However, there was never any clinical evidence that it was more effective than any other PPI for nighttime heartburn.
Is Protonix safe for GERD?
Before Wyeth before the company even began promoting Protonix, the FDA had warned the company that its proposed promotional materials were misleading. Wyeth was warned that it had “overstated” its “erosive esophagitis indication” by “suggesting that Protonix is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with . . . GERD, according to the FDA. ” Wyeth was also warned that “Protonix is not indicated for treatment of GERD symptoms that occur in the absence of esophageal erosions.” Despite the FDA warnings, Wyeth actively promoted Protonix for uses that were not approved by the FDA.
What happens if you lose a family member on a prescription drug?
If your loss was as a result of a defective drug or perhaps a physician’s negligence, you have the right to demand that the drug company or negligent physician be held responsible.
Did Wyeth promote Protonix?
According to the Justice Department, even though the drug was only approved for a limited purpose, Wyeth trained its sales force to promote Protonix for all forms of GERD. By promoting the drug as appropriate for far more commonly diagnosed forms of GERD, Wyeth was aiming for significantly higher sales.
Who is Eric Pearson?
Eric Pearson is a licensed attorney and a partner at HO&P who handles commercial and personal injury lawsuits. Eric has been selected to the Super Lawyers List, a Thomson Reuters publication.
Do I have a Protonix Lawsuit?
The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Protonix lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently investigating potential settlements in all 50 states.
How much did Wyeth pay for Protonix IV?
April 29, 2016 – Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin announced this week that the state had agreed to settle allegations against Wyeth, resolving allegations that the company knowingly underpaid rebates owed under Medicaid for Protonix Oral and Protonix IV sales between 2001 and 2006, according to Bizjournals. Per the agreement, Wyeth will pay $784.6 million to the federal and state governments. Approximately $371 million of the $784.6 million settlement will go to the Medicaid Program, and Hawaii’s share is $420,337.77.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat peptic ulcers?
Protonix ( generic: pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It is chemically structured to help the secretion of acid from the stomach glands.
What district is PPI lawsuit filed in?
Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) on Wednesday ordered that all federally-filed lawsuits involving kidney injuries from PPI heartburn drugs will be consolidated in the District of New Jersey for pretrial handling. The panel’s ruling marked an about-face from it’s previous opinion on the matter, having in February rejected a bid to create an MDL. The reason for the change was due to the litigation’s substantial increase in size since the initial ruling, and because 2 defendants who previously opposed centralization — AstraZeneca and Pfizer — are now in support of it, according to JPML.
What to do if you are injured by Protonix?
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you were injured by Protonix side effects, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and we can help.
Is Protonix bad for you?
August 19, 2016 - Add cardiovascular complications in patients with heart disease to the growing list of potential health risks associated with proton pump inhibitors like Protonix. 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. The research strengthened early studies which connected PPIs to poor cardiovascular outcomes.
Can a proton pump inhibitor cause hepatic encephalopathy?
September 1, 2016 - Proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of loss of brain function (hepatic encephalopathy or "HE") and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), according to a new study published in the journal Hepatology. The researchers found that PPIs' mechanism of action in decreasing gastric acid production and increasing the pH of the stomach can cause gut bacteria to overpopulate and pass into the blood or lymph nodes. PPI-induced bacterial overgrowth may lead to hepatic encephalopathy, according to the study.
What is the purpose of protonix?
Protonix, also known as pantoprazole, is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. PPIs are used to treat stomach ulcers and acid reflux. Most heartburn medicines neutralize the acid in your stomach, but PPIs prevent the stomach from forming acid.
What happens when the body doesn't get minerals?
When the body doesn’t get these minerals in sufficient quantities, the kidneys can become inflamed, a condition known as interstitial nephritis . Symptoms of this condition include a decreased quantity of urine, fever, or blood in the urine, or even no symptoms at all. The progression of this condition leads to chronic kidney disease.
Does Protonix cause cancer?
Studies have also linked the use of Protonix to an increased risk of stomach cancer. The BMJ indicated that the risk of developing stomach cancer may be three times higher in those who have used Protonix long-term. Our personal injury attorneys can review your claim if you believe you or a loved one developed stomach cancer as a result of the long-term use of Protonix.
Does Protonix cause kidney problems?
Evidence is becoming clear that prolonged use of Protonix can lead to kidney disease. By its purpose to block stomach acid, the digestive process becomes more difficult and deficiencies in essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium can occur.
Can you take Protonix for a long time?
When Protonix is taken for a short time for any of these conditions, it can provide much-needed relief. The problem occurs when Protonix is taken over a long period of time or for conditions it’s not recommended for. If you have used this medication for any of these reasons and have experienced negative and life-altering effects, speak to your doctor and attorney immediately.
What is emotional distress?
Emotional distress – This emotional damage can include depression, insomnia or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by your injuries, medication, and pain.
What is medical expense?
Medical expenses – This encompasses all past and future costs of medical treatment including adaptive medical devices, transportation assistance to get you to your doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, and surgeries.
What are the names of the PPI lawsuits?
Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium and Dexilant are among the brand names listed in PPI lawsuits. The lawsuits argue that manufacturers didn’t do enough to warn patients and medical professionals about the possible risks as the companies became aware of them. Some Prilosec lawsuits allege that AstraZeneca knew of kidney risks for at least 10 years ...
How many lawsuits against Prilosec?
Some Prilosec lawsuits allege that AstraZeneca knew of kidney risks for at least 10 years before warning the public. As of January 2020, there were 13,40 proton pump inhibitor lawsuits pending in federal court — out of a total of 15,164 that had been filed. A judicial panel combined the cases into a multidistrict litigation, or MDL, in August 2017.
What are the lawsuits against PPI?
Lawsuits against Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix and other PPI brands claim manufacturers AstraZeneca, Takeda and Pfizer failed to warn of the dangers of proton pump inhibitors.
What are the side effects of taking PPI?
The most frequently reported side effects are stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. PPIs can also cause rare, but serious side effects, including kidney disease, kidney injury, kidney failure and acute interstitial nephritis.
How many claims did the Ninth Circuit dismiss?
The federal plaintiffs appealed the judgment, and the Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of about 270 claims. About 40 plaintiffs who asserted Nexium caused bone injury appealed the dismissal of their claims to California’s Second District Court of Appeal, which also affirmed the district court’s judgment.
What is the name of the disease that Koon developed?
She developed end stage renal disease, or ES RD. People with ESRD will die unless they have a kidney transplant or regular dialysis treatment for the rest of their lives. Koon sought $10 million in the original complaint in her proton pump inhibitor lawsuit.
When did AstraZeneca know about the risks of Prilosec?
Lawsuits involving Prilosec, for example, claim AstraZeneca knew of kidney risks as early as 2004, but the company did not warn patients about the risks for 10 years. Kidney injuries claimed in lawsuits: Kidney disease. Kidney injury.
How long can you take Nexium 24HR?
Similarly, AstraZeneca changed the formulation to esomeprazole magnesium. Like Prilosec OTC, Nexium 24HR can be taken for up to 14 days. The treatment can also be repeated every four months. AstraZeneca initially warned consumers of some potential side effects such as: Nausea. Vomiting.
What was the AstraZeneca lawsuit?
AstraZeneca Class Action Lawsuit. In 2015, AstraZeneca settled a class action lawsuit that involved Prilosec and Nexium. Consumers claimed that the drug company was trying to boost sales of Nexium as their patent for Prilosec ran out. Chemically, the drugs are nearly identical, but Nexium was much more expensive.
What is MDL in PPI?
An MDL is a special federal process to streamline and speed up the handling of these cases. Initially, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation denied the motion to combine 39 federal lawsuits against various PPI manufacturers into a single MDL in February 2017. As the number of cases grew, the panel later reconsidered. MDL 2789 officially formed in August 2017.
What was the settlement for AstraZeneca v. Prilosec?
The case ended with a Prilosec lawsuit settlement of $20 million paid out to the plaintiffs.
How many lawsuits are there in the Proton Pump MDL?
The Proton-Pump MDL 2789 lawsuits are being overseen by Judge Claire Cecchi and Judge Mark Falk in the United States District Court of New Jersey. When the MDL initially formed, 161 cases were transferred. As of November 2020, there are more than 13,000 lawsuits pending. The first of the bellwether trials was scheduled for September 21, 2020. However, COVID-19 may push this bellwether trial out to a later date.
Why is prilosec prescribed?
Prilosec is prescribed to block excess stomach acid from causing painful heartburn. It is a delayed-release drug. Prilosec was the first of its kind approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 for prescription use.
What are the lawsuits against Prilosec?
The manufacturers of Prilosec and Nexium face many of these lawsuits. Plaintiffs claim the drugs cause serious side effects like stroke, heart attack and kidney problems. One manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has settled a class action lawsuit for $20 million.