PPIs May Increase Risk of Death | Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Home / Defective Drug /
- PPIs May Increase Risk of Death | Proton Pump Inhibitors
July 10, 2017
A new study has shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a type of drug commonly used to treat heartburn, can increase a user’s risk of death by 25 percent.
The Phillips Law Group’s dedicated Phoenix defective drug attorneys want you to know the risks associated with PPI use. If you or someone you love has been harmed after taking a PPI, contact us to find out if you have legal options.
What Are Proton Pump Inhibitors?
Proton pump inhibitors are a type of medication used to reduce the production of excess acid in the stomach. This prevents the formation of ulcers in the esophagus, stomach and part of the intestines closest to the stomach, and allows already formed ulcers to heal.
PPIs are also used to treat patients suffering from chronic heartburn and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Millions of people use both prescription and over-the-counter PPI brands, such as:
Although PPIs are intended to reduce acid production in the stomach, research has found that the drug also eliminates acid production in nearly every part of the body. This can obstruct the body’s ability to eliminate damaged proteins and harmful waste and may lead to several health problems.
PPIs Linked to Early Death
The study, conducted by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, shows that PPIs could pose a higher risk of death for users.
Although numerous studies have previously called attention to possible health risks associated with the medication, researchers tested the theory that these health risk may increase the mortality rate among PPI users.
The study analyzed medical records obtained through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the death rates of patients prescribed PPIs versus those taking H2 blockers, another type of stomach acid reducer. Researchers also compared the data in these findings to data pertaining to patients who were not taking either medications.
The study’s results indicated that patients who take PPIs were up to 25 percent more likely to die from a medical condition than patients taking H2 blockers. Researchers found that the risk of death in PPI patients increased after extended use of the drug.
However, most patients that are prescribed PPIs are generally older and tend to have several medical conditions. Regardless, all patients are encouraged to review medications with their doctors regularly and to stop using drugs deemed no longer necessary by their physician.
Other Health Risks Linked to PPIs
Additional studies have uncovered other possible health risks tied to PPI use, such as:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Stomach infections
- Bone fractures
- Pneumonia
- Dementia
- C. diff infections
It is still unclear why PPIs put users at a higher risk of dying or developing certain medical conditions. However, medical experts believe the drug’s effect on gastric acid production causes changes in the stomach and lower bowels.
These changes could impact the efficiency or metabolism of other medications used to treat other conditions. Mineral absorption by the body is also affected by the stomach, which may be a factor.
Prescription PPIs, as analyzed in this recent study, are designed to treat severe conditions over extended periods of time. Over-the-counter medications are intended for short-term use only and are only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such use.
Contact Our Phoenix Defective Drug Attorneys Now
The Phoenix defective drug lawyers of Phillips Law Group fight to hold negligent pharmaceutical companies accountable for the harm their products cause.
We will work to maximize the damages you can recover as compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn the legal options available regarding your defective drug claim. Our attorneys only require payment for legal fees if we recover compensation for your claim.
Call 1-800-706-3000 if you have been harmed by a defective drug.
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
Categories:
- Auto Accidents
- Business Litigation
- Class Action Lawsuits
- Defective Drug
- Defective Products
- Employee Rights
- Employment Law
- Firm News
- Local
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Pedestrian Accident
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Slip and Fall
- Social Security Disability
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death
-
Great company and awesome service. Thanks Caroline fabos. Kudos to all.
-
Phillips is the best!! Love all that they do to give back to the community and how much they help those who are experiencing homelessness. ❤️
-
I just wanted to thank Phillips law Group and Vanessa Rodriguez for all the help that she did for my daughter’s case. She was involved in her first accident and she needed the help to deal with these adjusters. Thank you again.
-
PLG is the best! Highly recommend. Love that they do so much to help the community.
-
My Attorney Sean Davis and his paralegal Hannah Dustin worked on my case. They listened to the problems that I was having with my case and they both got right to work. First they found me a doctor that actually listened to my problems from my car accident and worked quickly to form a plan that was comfortable for me and the doctor. The doctor was the best and after a couple of procedures the pain in my neck was gone. Behind the scenes Sean and Hannah were working hard to get my case settled with the insurance company. They kept in contact with me on all aspects of my case. They settled my case much faster than I expected and for more than I was expecting. If you want two real professional legal people to work on your case, I would highly recommend Sean and Hannah to you. I cannot say enough nice things about these two. Thank you so much, Rickey Hart .
-
Jasmine , did a great job . Highly recommend!!!!!
-
I would like to thank Vanessa Rodriguez for helping me with my case because I was in total shock about the accident. She had listened to all my concerns and had answered every question I had . She was great !!!
-
I didn’t know anything about the area, and Phillips Law Group just took care of everything. They helped made sure I knew where I was going, made sure I didn’t have to worry. They literally just took care of me.
-
Phillips Law Group provides a collaborative environment in which both attorneys and staff work together to achieve the best outcome for clients. As an attorney here at PLG, I’m lucky to be surrounded by seasoned attorneys and knowledgeable staff that share my enthusiasm for helping accident victims. The team here at PLG treats clients with respect and empathy while fighting hard to get the results they deserve.
-
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value As someone who is familiar with the inner workings of the auto insurance industry I can whole heartedly endorse Steven J. Jones and Phillips law group as someone I would want on my side should litigation take place. They handled my case professionally, honestly, and with satisfactory results which I would not have expected without enlisting their help.