Tennessee Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Lawyers
What are PPIs?
Our firm is exploring Tennessee PPI lawsuits. PPI stands for “proton pump inhibitor”, a type of heartburn-preventative drug that works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Unlike many heartburn medications, which simply act to neutralize stomach acid, PPIs essentially prevent the body from creating stomach acid in the first place. Although PPIs provide effective short-term heartburn relief, use of PPI medications for an extended period of time can create severe health risks.
What Injuries Are Caused by PPIs?
Bone Fractures
By blocking the production of stomach acid, PPIs make it difficult for the body to process certain substances. Calcium, in particular, is very difficult for the body to break down and absorb with insufficient stomach acid production. If PPIs are only taken occasionally, or for very short periods of time, this effect may be temporary and insignificant. In the long term, however, the calcium shortage caused by PPIs can make the patient’s bones particularly brittle and prone to fractures.
Many patients have come forward with claims against PPI medication manufacturers, alleging that the medication significantly weakened their bones and led to breaks or fractures that would not have otherwise occurred, particularly fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine.
In a 2010 safety warning, the FDA stated that patients taking PPIs for a year or more, or taking high prescription dosages, are at a particularly heightened risk for fractures. Elderly patients also have a higher chance of suffering bone damage as a result of taking PPI medication.
Kidney Injuries
Medical literature supports that PPIs can cause nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys. The lead author of one of the studies believes, “It is very reasonable to assume that PPIs themselves can cause chronic kidney disease,” said Dr. Pradeep Arora, a nephrologist and associate professor at the SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Science in Buffalo, N.Y. “There are a couple of theories that might explain this link between PPIs and chronic kidney disease.The kidneys might become damaged over time if patients suffer repeated bouts of acute interstitial nephritis (a form of tissue inflammation), which has been linked with short-term use of PPIs. PPIs also can cause magnesium levels in the blood to decline. A lack of this important mineral might also cause damage to the kidneys.”
Which drugs contain PPIs?
A large number of gastrointestinal drugs contain PPIs, including brand names such as:
- Dexilant
- Esotrex
- Gasec
- GastroGuard
- Nexium
- Prevacid
- Prilosec
- UlcerGard
- And more. Check with your pharmacist if you suspect that your medication contains PPIs.
I or a loved one have suffered kidney problems or bone fractures while taking a PPI medication. What’s my next step?
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries connected to use of a PPI medication, call the Tennessee PPI lawyers and personal injury attorneys at David Randolph Smith & Associates immediately. Our experienced Nashville PPI attorneys stand ready to evaluate your case and offer the best advice for the next step in your prescription drug lawsuit.
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Our Nashville attorneys have over 75 years of combined practice handling cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, civil rights, medical device lawsuits, wrongful death, and much more.
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DRS Law is a well-respected law firm in Nashville and throughout the U.S. Founder, David Randolph Smith, has been selected as a Mid-South Super Lawyer, named one of the Top 100 attorneys in Tennessee in all fields of practice, and is included in the Best Lawyers in America guidebook.
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Every case is meticulously prepared for trial by our trial team and support staff in order to maximize the recovery for our client, whether by settlement or trial verdict. Our proven track record of success has resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and judgments in a wide variety of individual and group cases.
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01 Free Consultation
Our dedicated personal injury and accident lawyers provide free, no-pressure case evaluations. We will help you determine if you have a case and will answer all your questions in plain English. We never charge any fees until we win your case.
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If we take your case, it’s because we believe we can help you. We will get to work outlining a strategic plan of action. We want you to feel taken care of during this difficult time — whatever questions you have, we’re here with answers. Frequent check-ins ensure you are comfortable with the progress of your case.
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I am very thankful to David, Lyon, Chris and all professionals who represent this firm. This team made an incredibly difficult situation end successfully. The intellect combined with compassion of these people is incredible. Our concerns were quickly and appropriately responded to, with knowledge and compassion. Law suits are very scary situations, but they never stopped communicating until I felt comfortable with the process. - K. Boland
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The DRS team was simply tremendous. They were extremely thorough and caring through the entire experience. I felt cared for the entire time. I will recommend them enthusiastically to anyone who ever needs legal help. - Dick K.
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Chris and the rest of the guys at the firm did an amazing job handling my case and making me feel like I was heard and important. Very professional and very hard working guys that I would suggest to anyone! - T. Sapp.
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There are really no words to adequately describe how thankful we are for Lyon and the others at this law firm. The events that led us to reach out to your firm were one the worst times in our lives. My husband’s illness and long recovery were something that we were not sure we would ever come back from. Thanks to the hard work, knowledge and dedication that you guys have put forth on our behalf we have been awarded a settlement that will ensure we have a secure financial future. You guys are the best! - Lorrie H.
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David Randolph Smith was the only attorney that would take our case. We were up against the US Government and Virginia’s state laws. Mr. Smith’s experience and expertise was the only reason we were able to get a settlement. He always answered our calls and kept us informed. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were very professional and nice. God sent this law firm to help us at a very sorrowful time. We were blessed for such a great law firm. If I ever need a lawyer, this firm would be first on my list. Thank you. — Vicky F.
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Thru what was an absolute nightmare of an ordeal, I was finally blessed with the very best legal team a man could ever want or desire. I can’t even begin to express my overwhelming gratitude and sincere appreciation to my entire legal team. You are all of the very best at what you do, and the end results gave me the justice and satisfaction I so desperately needed. And it also gave me back my health and independence! On a scale to 1 and 10, I would give you give you a 12! God bless all of you from the bottom of my heart! - Darrell H.
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My wife and I couldn’t have had a better experience. The whole team was incredibly responsive, attentive, respectful, & friendly. Lyon took our case and you couldn’t ask for a better guy to have on your side. Not only was he super sharp and resourceful, but also the type of person that makes you feel like an old friend. Since we were seeking legal help for a very awful situation it made all the difference knowing that we were in competent hands the whole time. - Mark D.
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It was a wonderful experience. Everyone we dealt with was attentive and responsive. They always set realistic expectations and even surpassed them. We are very happy we decided to use Smith and Associates. We highly recommend them. - Whitney G.