PPI Injury Lawyer

Dangers of Taking Proton Pump Inhibitors During Pregnancy

A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that babies born to mothers who used Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) during the first trimester of pregnancy were twice as likely to have congenital heart defects as children in the regular population. Specific defects include septal defects (holes in the heart) and left and right ventricular defects. The study examined 208,951 pregnancies, and did not reveal the reason behind the increased risks, but did find a clear correlation.

Proton Pump Inhibitors are a class of drug used to block the release of stomach acid, and are available with a doctor's prescription under brand names such as Aciphex, Dexiant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Vilmo and Zegrid. Since 2003, several PPIs have been approved for over-the-counter use, including Prilosec OTC and Zegrid OTC.

Heartburn is a frequent occurrence during pregnancy - about half of pregnant women experience some symptoms of acid reflux -and those symptoms can be quite severe. For that reason, doctors may prescribe PPIs to relieve symptoms, or women may purchase over-the-counter drugs, but the new study suggests that other options for controlling symptoms should be used if at all possible. The FDA categorizes drugs by their effect on fetuses in the following way:

• The drug is completely safe for use during pregnancy;
• The drug appears to be safe in animal studies but there is not enough human data available;
• The effect of the drug on the fetus is not yet known; and
• The use of the drug is unsafe for fetuses and may cause birth defects.

All of the PPIs on the market are classified as B, C or D - there are none available that have been proven to be completely safe for use by pregnant women.

Injured? Contact a pharmaceutical attorney today!

Potential birth defects are not the only dangerous side effect now being associated with PPIs. In recent postings, we have discussed new data that suggests long-term use of PPIs, particularly by women, results in a significant increase in the risk of hip and other fractures. While use of PPIs is currently widespread and regarded as fairly safe, more investigation into the long-term impact of the drug must clearly be done.

Every pharmaceutical lawyer at Arnold & Itkin, LLP understands how difficult it is to know when a prescribed medication might actually cause harm. We have seen too many clients injured by dangerous drugs, and we would like to help prosecute dangerous drug manufacturers to prevent future injuries. We take great care to ensure that all of your needs are met, from the most mundane tasks to the most serious of legal procedures. As such, you can rely on the steadfast services that will be provided to you from the moment you walk into our offices all the way until your case is successfully brought to a close. Your call is free and all the information you share remains confidential – for all of your needs, we are here for you.

If you or someone you know has been injured by a dangerous drug, contact a PPI pregnancy attorney from our firm today.