Protonix is part of a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs. Proton pump inhibitors help relieve gastrointestinal issues such as stomach ulcers and acid reflux by preventing the stomach from creating too much acid. However, these medications are not meant for daily long-term use, a fact that is not always adequately explained to doctors or patients. Research has shown that those who have taken Protonix have an increased risk of developing kidney injuries and kidney disease.
It is unfair of Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, to advertise Protonix as something that can help people live a pain-free life while failing to mention the severe side effects that come from long-term use of Protonix. If you’ve been harmed by taking this medication, you may be able to recover damages through a Pfizer Protonix lawsuit. Contact the experienced defective drug attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP today and we’ll evaluate your potential suit against Protonix for free.
Protonix Uses: What Is Protonix For?
Protonix is used to relieve heartburn symptoms and/or reflux cough as well as heal stomach acid damage and prevent ulcers.
What Drug Company Manufactures Protonix?
Pfizer Medical is the manufacturer of Protonix.
What Is the Protonix Drug Class?
Protonix belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are used to treat gastrointestinal issues and heartburn.
Is There a Generic for Protonix?
Yes. The generic version of Protonix is called pantoprazole.
Can You Get Protonix Over the Counter?
No. Protonix is available by prescription only. However, similar drugs are available over the counter, such as Prilosec and Prevacid.
Are Prilosec and Protonix the Same Thing?
Prilosec and Protonix are not identical, but they are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat gastrointestinal reflux disease.
Is Protonix Safe to Take?
Protonix can be safe to take, but it’s important to pay careful attention to the side effects and not take it too long. Many people who have taken Protonix have experienced dangerous side effects including a heightened risk of kidney damage and osteoporosis-related bone fractures.
What Are the Protonix Side Effects?
Common Protonix drug side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Dizziness
- Joint pain
- Stomach pain
More serious side effects of Protonix include:
- Choking
- Headache
- Coughing
- Fainting
- Uneven or fast heartbeat
- Feeling jittery
- Muscle spasms, cramps or weakness
- Memory problems, confusion or trouble concentrating
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody stool
Problems With Protonix: Pantoprazole Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term use of PPIs like Protonix is associated with an increased risk of:
- Osteoporosis-related bone fractures
- Kidney disease
- Lupus erythematosus
- Colitis
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Magnesium deficiency
Does Protonix Make You Gain Weight?
Protonix doesn’t normally affect weight, but if you notice unusual weight gain after using this drug, contact your doctor right away because it could be a sign of more serious health issues.
Is Protonix Hard on the Kidneys?
Yes. Kidney damage and kidney disease have been linked with long-term use of Protonix and other PPIs.
Can Protonix Cause Rapid Heart Rate?
A fast or uneven heartbeat can be a severe side effect of Protonix. If this happens to you, contact a medical professional right away.
Is There a Recall on Protonix?
There is no current recall on Protonix.
Has Pfizer Faced Legal Issues Over Protonix?
Yes. Most recently, the company is one of the defendants in a multi-district litigation that includes more than 13,000 lawsuits filed by people who experienced kidney damage after taking PPIs. In addition, in 2016, Pfizer paid more than $780 million to settle allegations that a subsidiary purposely reported incorrect prices for Protonix to the federal government to avoid paying rebates owed to Medicaid.
Is There a Protonix Class-Action Lawsuit?
There is not a class-action lawsuit over Protonix, but there is a multi-district litigation pending. In an MDL, multiple similar cases are consolidated in one court in an attempt to resolve them more quickly, but each plaintiff’s case is still considered separately, not together as one class of plaintiffs. In the PPI MDL, thousands of people are seeking a Protonix settlement because they were not adequately warned of the risk of kidney damage.
Why Should You File a Protonix Lawsuit?
When you file a Pfizer Protonix lawsuit, an attorney with our firm can help you recover compensation for all of the ways that this drug has affected your life. Your Protonix lawyer will fight hard for monetary damages including medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. PPI litigation can be difficult, but our experienced attorneys have never backed down from a challenge: We’ve taken on some of the biggest companies and won.
What Will Happen When I Get a Free Consultation?
When you call Parker Waichman, a skilled attorney will evaluate the merits of your potential Protonix lawsuit. Your case investigation will likely involve:
- Obtaining a detailed account of your PPI history
- Getting a report of injuries, you may have suffered around the time you took Protonix
- Going through pharmacy records to see your use of Protonix and other medications
- Calculating the statute of limitations for your case in your state
Once we have the information we need, we’ll tell you whether we think you should pursue a Protonix settlement. You’ll be under no obligation, and you’ll pay nothing for our advice.
Get Help From a Top Defective Drug Attorney Today
When you work with the experienced attorneys at Parker Waichman, you’ll be placing your Pfizer Protonix lawsuit in the hands of compassionate professionals who will put your needs first. We understand that you are placing your trust in us, and we strive to prove that that trust is well-placed. A Protonix lawyer at our firm will work tirelessly to make sure you and your loved ones are well taken care of during a trying time.
If you or a loved one took a proton pump inhibitor and developed severe health issues such as kidney injury, kidney failure or kidney disease, contact us today by filling out our online form or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation about your pantoprazole lawsuit. A Parker Waichman attorney can help you learn whether you are entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills and any loss of income to help ease your suffering.
.svg){kind=small}
.avif)
.avif)