Prilosec® and Pregnancy

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Prilosec®

There have been very few studies on brand name Prilosec® during pregnancy. However, Omeprazole (the main active ingredient in Prilosec® and Prilosec OTC®) is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug. That means that there are not enough studies available to adequately judge whether or not the drug is harmful to pregnant mothers or their unborn babies.

However, that does not mean that the drug is safe. In fact, it could still have severe side effects on unborn children. Indeed, Omeprazole has been found to have the potential for severe adverse effects in infants and can be passed through breast milk.

Facts About Prilosec®

Prilosec® is a proton pump inhibitor designed to stem the production of stomach acid by shutting down the "acid factories" in the stomach lining. It's available in both prescription non-prescription strengths as well as in generic forms (which are sold under the name Omeprazole). It is one of the most widely distributed drugs available to treat frequent heartburn and acid reflux disease.

Omeprazole has a long list of side effects that include:

• Stomach upset (nausea which may lead to vomiting)
• Digestive problems (either diarrhea or constipation)
• Headache

However, there are several side effects that occur less often but are much more dangerous. These include:

• Arrhythmic heartbeat
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Osteoporosis bone fracture to wrist, spine, or hip

There have also been some studies that seem to indicate Omeprazole (along with other proton pump inhibitors) is linked to lung infection and possibly increased risk of food poisoning.

The Side Effects of Prilosec® (Omeprazole) During Pregnancy

Several studies have found slightly elevated risk (around 4 percent) of fetal malformation and birth defects when the mother was taking Omeprazole. In addition, animal testing has revealed that higher than normal dosing of Omeprazole (only 5.5 times the normal 20 mg human dosage) in rats and rabbits can greatly increase the risk of embryolethality and fetal resorption. While animal results don't directly correlate to human results, these findings are still cause enough to warrant caution.

Omeprazole has also been found in the breast milk of nursing mothers in concentrations up to 7 percent. This breast milk can cause serious adverse reactions in infants. In addition, Omeprazole has been shown to cause cancerous tumors when passed through the milk of lab rats. The FDA recommends that all mothers currently breast-feeding do not take Omeprazole or that they discontinue breast feeding while on the drug.

Contact a Prilosec® Attorney

If you have used Prilosec®, Prilosec® OTC, or any of the generic drugs containing Omeprazole and experienced adverse side effects, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the drug. Contact our law firm today and we'll put you in touch with a friendly and knowledgeable Prilosec® attorney. A qualified attorney will discuss your case confidentially and at no cost to you to see if you qualify for compensation. It only takes a few minutes and could make a world of difference.

Don't wait — your right to compensation may be denied if you wait too long.