Do GERD Medications Increase Your Risk of Kidney Disease?
When it comes to an accident lawyer, Hudson Valley residents probably think about vehicle or work accidents. While these are two common reasons to contact this type of person, medication and medical device injuries are also something they might cover. Those taking certain GERD medications might have experienced kidney disease as a result. Such medications include Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec. Learning more about these drugs and the research associated with them increasing kidney disease risk is important whether a person experienced an issue or not when they are taking these medications.
Exploring the Research
The research looked at Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec and whether these drugs increased the risk of kidney disease. These are medications often prescribed for GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as chronic heartburn. The journal JAMA Internal Medicine explored the connection between kidney disease and these drugs. The research presented suggested that those taking these medications might have an increase in kidney disease risk as much as 20 to 50 percent higher than those not taking these medications.
The study did not talk about a cause-and-effect relationship. However, it does believe that the kidney disease risk increases the higher the dose someone took.
The research looked at patients developing one of two kidney conditions as a result of taking these medications: acute interstitial nephritis and acute kidney injury. The focus was on patients who, within two years of taking the medications, developed one of these conditions and as a result experienced death or required dialysis or a kidney transplant. If within six months of using the medications a person was diagnosed with kidney disease using a biopsy, this was also included in the research.
Knowing More About Kidney Disease
Your kidneys are critical for your overall health because they help to remove waste, fluids, excess electrolytes and other impurities from your body. When they are not functioning properly, fluids, electrolytes, waste and other impurities are able to accumulate in your body. This can be dangerous, depending on what is allowed to accumulate. A number of issues can occur when the kidneys are unable to do their job:
- A decrease in your mental sharpness
- Twitching and cramping in your muscles
- Changes in your urination patterns
- Chest pain
- Sleep issues
- The accumulation of fluids
- Appetite loss
- Persistent itching
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and weakness
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
Now you know more about the research associated with these medications and the potential for an increased kidney disease risk. If you believe your kidney disease is related, you can consult an accident lawyer in Hudson Valley to determine if they can be of help to you.