Side Effects of Protonix®
Protonix® is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. While some of these drugs are available over the counter to treat frequent heartburn, Protonix® is only available via prescription. It is not used to treat heartburn but rather to decrease the amount of stomach acid in a patient's stomach so that the erosive effects of that acid leaking back up into the esophagus will heal. Protonix® is also sometimes prescribed for patients dealing with chronic conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where the stomach constantly produces acid.
Protonix® is approved by the FDA for use in patients as young as 5 but when compared to other PPIs on the market, Protonix® has a longer list of side effects, drug interactions, and severe adverse reactions than some.
The common side effects of Protonix® include:
- Gas and bloating
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
Some of the more serious side effects of Protonix® include:
- Severe dermatological disorders that may be fatal if left untreated
- Severe adverse drug interactions (most notably with blood thinners, cholesterol medication, and anti-HIV drugs)
- Kidney or liver failure (which may be fatal if not treated)
- Psychological issues including hallucination
In addition, long-term use of any PPI (Protonix® included) can lead to other severe side effects.
Possible drug interactions or allergic reactions may also occur (sometimes fatal). You should notify your physician of any drug you are taking (over the counter or otherwise) including supplements and vitamins. (Protonix® has been known to react adversely with substances as "harmless" as daily Iron supplements.)
Protonix® and Bone Fracture
As of May 2010, the FDA now requires all manufacturers of PPI medications to inform users of a potential link to use of their product and bone fractures. This change in regulation came about after the FDA learned of the results of seven observational studies of patients using PPIs. In six of the studies, patients were found to have a distinctly higher risk of fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist. These bone fractures look like osteoporosis bone fracture which have led some scientists to speculate that PPI medication may be interfering with the body's ability to digest necessary nutrients such as calcium.
Certain patients were found to be at higher risk including:
- Men and women over 50 years old
- Those taking a PPI for more than a year
- Those taking PPIs multiple times per day
- Those taking higher doses of a PPI than normally prescribed
Are There Long Term Side Effects of Protonix®?
Several other long-term side effects of PPI use are also being investigated. Numerous studies have linked PPI medications to increased risk of respiratory infection (including pneumonia) and several more have also looked into the correlation of PPI use and the ease with which users contract food poisoning.
Contact a Protonix® Lawyer
If you've used Protonix® (or are currently using) and experienced any of the side effects of the drug (including bone fracture) you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our law firm today and we'll set up a confidential consultation with a Protonix® lawyer.
