New FDA Warning Urges Caution in Use of PPIs

The Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) class of pharmaceutical drugs has been revealed to cause yet another serious health issue for its users. PPIs, which include brand name drugs such as Nexium, Prilosec, Zegerid and Prevacid, among others, inhibit the release of stomach acid. PPIs are effective in treating conditions like dyspepsia, chronic acid reflux, gastric ulcers and can be used in conjunction with aspirin therapy in heart patients to prevent gastric bleeding. PPIs are serious drugs with serious side effects (see our posts on PPIs and birth defects and PPIs and hip fractures). Unfortunately, their use in the general population continues to increase annually. This increase reflects the use of PPIs to treat conditions that might improve through lifestyle or dietary changes and/or less aggressive medications.

The latest FDA warning indicates that prolonged use of PPIs can lead to a condition called hypomagnesemia, caused by low levels of magnesium in the blood. The condition, while potentially reversible with the discontinued use of the PPI and the introduction of corrective medication or IV treatments, can be very serious. Hypomagnesemia can potentially cause convulsions, muscle spasms or weakness, abnormal eye movements, cardiac arrest and even, in severe instances, death. As a result of this potential complication, the FDA now advises physicians to check patients' magnesium levels before prescribing a PPI.

Despite the widespread acceptance of PPIs as low-risk prescription medications, this class of drug can cause serious harm to users. If you have been injured as a result of taking a PPI or other dangerous drug, you need an experienced drug attorney to represent your case. A dangerous drug attorney at Arnold and Itkin, LLP has played an integral role in securing tens of millions of dollars in settlements and victories for victims of dangerous drugs, and they are ready to help you. Contact a drug attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free and confidential consultation.