Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Heartburn medications like Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid are among the most commonly used drugs in the United States. Many people take them daily to manage chronic acid reflux or conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). But recent research has revealed that these drugs—classified as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—may come with serious health risks, mainly when used over long periods.
If you or someone you care about has suffered kidney disease, heart problems, or cognitive issues after taking these medications, you may be entitled to legal help. This article explains the risks, the science, and how Graves McLain Injury Lawyers in Tulsa can help people in Oklahoma pursue justice.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications that reduce stomach acid. Doctors prescribe them to people who experience acid reflux, ulcers, and other stomach problems. They are often used when over-the-counter antacids don’t provide enough relief.
Common brand names include:
While these medications are effective in the short term, growing concerns have emerged around their long-term safety.
Although PPIs help manage symptoms, studies show that they may lead to dangerous side effects when taken for long periods. The risks may include:
According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, patients using PPIs had a 20–50 greater chance of getting chronic renal disease as opposed to non-users.
Some people develop kidney problems without any warning signs. This makes regular monitoring important for anyone taking PPIs long-term.
A 2016 study in JAMA Neurology found that people over the age of 75 who took PPIs regularly had a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers are still studying how these drugs may affect brain health, but the link is concerning for older adults.
The BMJ published findings that long-term PPI users had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular problems, even in the absence of traditional heart disease risk factors.
Some researchers believe the drugs may affect blood vessels and circulation in harmful ways.
The FDA has issued multiple safety warnings about PPI side effects, including
In 2011, the FDA warned that long-term PPI use may result in low magnesium levels, which can cause seizures, erratic heartbeats, and muscular spasms.
Earlier, in 2010, the FDA warned that PPIs may increase the risk of bone fractures when used at high doses or for long periods.
These warnings apply to both prescription and over-the-counter versions of the drugs
| PPI Medication | Documented Risk | Supporting Study | Year |
| Prilosec | Kidney Disease | JASN (Lazarus et al.) | 2016 |
| Nexium | Dementia | JAMA Neurology | 2016 |
| Prevacid | Heart Attack | PLOS One | 2015 |
| All PPIs | Bone Fractures | FDA Drug Safety Communication | 2010 |
| All PPIs | Low Magnesium Levels | FDA Drug Safety Communication | 2011 |
Pharmaceutical companies have a legal duty to warn consumers about known risks. If a producer does not give sufficient caution regarding side effects, that may form the basis of a drug injury lawsuit.
These types of cases often fall under product liability law, which includes claims for:
PPI drug makers have faced thousands of lawsuits from people who suffered serious complications. Some of these lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), making it easier for similar cases to be heard together.
If you’ve used PPIs long-term and begin to notice changes in your health, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. Signs of kidney damage may include swelling in the legs, fatigue, and changes in urination. Signs of cognitive decline can consist of confusion or memory loss.
If a doctor diagnoses you with kidney disease, cardiovascular problems, or other issues that may be related to these medications, you should consider speaking with a drug injury lawyer. A legal review can help determine whether you have grounds for a claim.
People harmed by defective medications often face significant medical bills, time off work, and long-term health consequences. A lawyer experienced in pharmaceutical injury cases can:
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers handles these complex cases with care. As a Tulsa-based law firm experienced in drug injury litigation, they understand what it takes to hold large companies accountable.
PPIs have been linked to kidney disease, heart issues, bone fractures, and dementia. These risks increase with long-term use.
Yes. If a drug caused serious side effects and the manufacturer failed to warn you, you may have grounds for a dangerous drug lawsuit.
Speak to your doctor and get a complete diagnosis. Then, consult a drug injury lawyer to review your case and see if legal action is appropriate.
Yes, the risks can still apply even if the medication is sold without a prescription—especially when taken without medical supervision.
Compensation may include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Every case depends on the facts and medical evidence.
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is typically two years from when the injury was discovered or should have been found.
Heartburn medications like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid are meant to help—but for some people, they’ve caused life-changing harm. If you’ve experienced health problems after using PPIs, you’re not alone. Scientific studies have raised serious concerns, and legal options may be available.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps clients across Oklahoma navigate these complex drug injury claims. A free case review can help you understand whether your health issues may be linked to medication and whether legal action is the right step forward
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
