Medications are crucial in a world where health and well-being are paramount. However, what happens when a trusted prescription turns out to have unexpected consequences? This is the case with a popular medicine called Protonix.
Behind its widespread usage lies plenty of controversy that has shaken the pharmaceutical industry. Numerous individuals have reported severe side effects and complications, leading to a surge in Protonix lawsuits across the United States.
This blog will examine the root cause of the Protonix lawsuits, the alleged side effects, and the legal implications surrounding this widely prescribed medication and also offers information on what to do if you are experiencing Protonix side effects.
Before diving into the topic, be conscious of medical records, which will be crucial to prove your sufferings and to claim fair compensation for your Protonix lawsuits.
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Pantoprazole – Protonix
Protonix belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Several conditions are treated using it, such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare condition that causes the stomach to produce too much acid)
- Peptic ulcers (ulcers in the stomach or small intestine)
Protonix generic name: Pantoprazole
Empirical formula: C16H15F2N3O4S
Chemical structure:
How does Pantoprazole work?
Pantoprazole obstructs the proton pump’s activity, a component that generates stomach acid. This mechanism diminishes acid production, alleviating symptoms and facilitating the recovery process of the esophagus and stomach.
Dosage
Taking pantoprazole 40 mg once daily is the recommended dosage for adults. The precise dosage of pantoprazole may vary based on the illness being treated and the severity of the symptoms. Sticking to the recommended dosage and following your healthcare provider’s instructions is essential.
Pantoprazole may interact with other drugs, which could lower one or both of their effectiveness or raise their risk of side effects. The drugs you are currently taking must therefore be discussed with your doctor.
History of Protonix
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a drug maker that eventually joined Pfizer Inc., was the company that initiated the production of Protonix. The FDA initially approved it for short-term use in February 2000.
Protonix quickly gained popularity and became one of the most prescribed medications in its class. After Prilosec, it was the proton pump inhibitor that physicians usually recommend to their patients.
While Protonix is generally considered safe and effective, it may also cause some potential side effects.
Pantoprazole side effects
Some of the most common protonix side effects are
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Rashes or itching
These Pantoprazole side effects tend to be modest and temporary. They may improve as your body becomes accustomed to the medicine. Consult your doctor if you notice that these side effects are worsening or persisting.
Are there any side effects of stopping Protonix?
Pantoprazole can typically be stopped without a dose reduction. However, if you’ve been taking pantoprazole for a while, consult your doctor before stopping. Stopping abruptly could cause your stomach to create significantly more acid and bring back your symptoms.
Long-term side effects of Protonix
If you use pantoprazole for longer than a year, you may experience more adverse effects, such as:
- Bone fractures
- Infections in the stomach
- Symptoms of a vitamin B12 shortage include extreme fatigue, mouth ulcers, a raw and red tongue, and pins and needles.
Apart from these side effects, the side effect that led Pfizer to face thousands of Protonix lawsuits is the kidney damage related to Protonix.
Protonix effect on kidneys
A possible connection between the usage of PPIs like Protonix and a greater probability of kidney injury has been raised by several reports like National library of Medicine.
Long-term prohibition of stomach acid production could damage the kidneys’ ability to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance and remove waste products. However, the exact mechanism through which PPIs cause kidney damage is unknown.
Pantoprazole kidney failure lawsuit
Several Protonix lawsuits were filed against Pfizer Pharmaceutical by the people who suffered from the side effects of Protonix.
The primary allegation made against the company in the Protonix lawsuits was that it failed to adequately warn patients and medical professionals about any potential hazards related to the drug.
In these Protonix lawsuits, the plaintiffs are requesting compensation for Protonix-related medical costs, suffering, and other losses.
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Other Pfizer Protonix lawsuits and settlement
Pfizer vs. Justice Department
According to the Justice Department, ignoring the fact that the drug was only approved for a specific reason, Wyeth instructed its sales team to push Protonix for all types of GERD. Wyeth aimed for much bigger sales by advertising the medicine as acceptable for far more often diagnosed forms of GERD.
Wyeth also allegedly promoted Protonix as the “best PPI for night-time heartburn.” However, there was no clinical evidence that it was more effective than any other PPI for night-time heartburn.
Pfizer agrees to pay $55 million to settle this pantoprazole lawsuit.
Pfizer and Medicaid program
The lawsuit dates back to April 2009 – around the time Pfizer acquired Wyeth. Under US law Medicaid – which supports healthcare provisions for people with lower incomes – should get the best possible price on offer for any drug purchased under the scheme, with any overspending due in the form of a rebate.
The lawsuit claimed this had not occurred between 2001 and 2006, as Protonix was building towards its peak annual sales point of $1.9 billion in 2007 and had denied the federal and state governments of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Finally, Pfizer settled the lawsuit for $785m.
Is Protonix the only PPI medication with multiple lawsuits?
No, Protonix is only one of many PPI drugs that have been related to kidney damage along with various health problems. Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Dexilant are some of the other PPIs that have been involved in lawsuits.
According to the claims, the manufacturers of these pharmaceuticals were aware of the possible hazards of kidney damage and other health issues but failed to notify customers and the medical community appropriately. As a result, many individuals who used these medicines experienced major health problems, including kidney failure.
Protonix multidistrict litigation 2024
An MDL is a legal procedure that allows for the consolidation of multiple similar lawsuits into one court. This can help to speed up the lawsuit process and minimize expenses.
As per the PPI lawsuit updates 2024, in February, there were approximately 12,949 active PPI lawsuits pending in federal court — out of a total of 18,663 that had been filed in the PPI litigation. A judicial panel first combined the cases into multidistrict litigation in August 2017.
The very first PPI kidney damage lawsuit was filed in 2016 by a plaintiff who claimed that he developed kidney disease after using Nexium from 2013 to 2015.
The number of PPI kidney damage lawsuits filed across the country slowly increased over the first two years as more people and doctors became aware of the evidence linking PPIs to kidney damage.
However, the examples of people who have been harmed by PPIs have raised awareness of the possible hazards of these medications. Some patients have discontinued the use of PPIs as a result, and others are more likely to speak to their doctor about the risks before taking them.
Protonix lawsuit update
The bellwether trials for the Protonix PPI class action lawsuit have already been postponed twice. The first trial was initially slated for March 2023; however, it was pushed back to June 5, 2023. The second trial is set for July, and the third for September.
The reasons for the postponements are unknown, but some feel that the pharmaceutical companies engaged in the litigation are attempting to postpone the trials in the hopes that the plaintiffs will abandon their claims. Others argue that the judges engaged in the case are merely attempting to provide the parties with enough time to prepare for trial.
Whatever the reason, the postponements discourage the plaintiffs, who have been waiting for the time in court for months.
PPI lawsuit settlements
As of now, there are no global settlements awarded for the plaintiffs regarding the PPI medications. The amount of compensation that would be granted to the claimants, if any, is currently unclear because the lawsuits brought against the manufacturers are still pending.
Are you suffering from the side effects of Protonix or other PPIs?
If yes, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of that particular PPI medication you had. Before initiating legal proceedings, you should discuss your symptoms and concerns with your physician. They can provide a medical evaluation and document any adverse effects you may have experienced.
If you lost a loved one who was affected by the negative consequences of Protonix or any other PPI, you may also be able to make a wrongful death claim.
Are there any key factors to succeed in my Protonix lawsuits?
It’s crucial to gather the pertinent prescriptions, medical documentations, and other evidence relating to your PPI medicine use in order to succeed in your Protonix lawsuit. Keep records of any medical costs and other costs incurred as a result of the adverse effects.
PPI lawsuit updates 2024
As per the latest updates in December 2024, there are 11,975 active PPI lawsuits pending in the MDL 2789. PPI drug manufactiurers like AstraZeneca has made some Nexium lawsuit settlements in the past. Plaintiff of Protonix lawsuits are closely watching the Nexium lawsuit settlement amounts and Prilosec lawsuit settlement amounts and thinking how it is going to impact their lawsuits.
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Find Protonix injury lawyers with expertise in handling these sorts of lawsuits if you need guidance. They can assist you in understanding your legal rights and finding options for fair compensation, analyse the facts of your lawsuit, and represent you in court.
Understanding the allegations made against Protonix and the impact it has had on those who claim to have suffered harm is essential for both the affected individuals and the broader public.
The legal actions against Protonix have highlighted the importance of understanding the potential side effects and risks associated with any prescribed medication, even those widely considered safe.
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