Heartburn medications Nexium and Prilosec may cause heart attacks, according to one researcher from Houston Methodist Research Institute.
Dr. John P. Cooke, PhD is one of the researchers involved in a study linking proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage with heart attacks and advanced aging. Proton pump inhibitors treat frequent heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease. The name brand versions of these drugs in the US are Nexium and Prilosec. Nexium and Prilosec are the #1 most prescribed drugs in the country. Dr. Cooke and his team have found that long-term users of Nexium have a 20% higher risk of heart attack than non-PPI users. The study utilized the medical records of 3 million people.
The problem with continued Nexium use is the drug’s interference with the health of blood vessels. The researchers studied the effect of Nexium and Prilosec on vascular cells and have determined that the drugs accelerate aging which increases the chance of a heart attack.
To treat heartburn that lasts longer than 2-4 weeks, Dr. Cooke suggests using non-PPI antacids such as Zantac, Tagamet, Tums, Mylanta, or Rolaids.
Contributing factors to persistent heartburn may be:
- Being overweight
- Too much coffee or alcohol
- Lying down too quickly after heavy meals
This study comes after other studies that have connected long-term Nexium and Prilosec use with Acute Interstitial Nephritis, Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney Failure, and bone fractures. Nexium lawsuits across the country claim that the manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has a responsibility to warn the FDA, healthcare providers, and the public about these possible side effects related to extended PPI use. If you’ve used Nexium, Prilosec, or any other proton pump inhibitor and now suffer kidney problems, you may have a claim that is eligible for compensation. Contact the legal team at Hollis Law Firm today to start your obligation free case review. You never owe any money or fees unless there is recovery for your claim. Call today for a confidential consultation at (800) 701-3672.
