Compensation for Stomach Cancer Victims Who Used PPI Antacid Drugs Like Nexium and Prilosec

Proton Pump Inhibitor drugs, like Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Vimovo, Protonix, Zegerid, Yosprala, Aciphex and Dexilent, commonly used to treat acid reflux, stomach acid and GERD have been linked to a more than doubled risk of developing stomach cancer or gastric cancer according to a recent study. In the study published in the journal Gut, researchers identified an association between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and a 2.4 times higher risk of developing stomach cancer.

A link between PPIs and a higher stomach cancer risk has previously been identified by academics – but never in a study that first eliminates a bacteria suspected of fueling the illness’s development.

The study concluded no firm cause and effect could be drawn, but — according to The Guardian — doctors should “exercise caution when prescribing long-term PPIs … even after successful eradication of H plyori.”

People who used a proton pump inhibitor for over three years reportedly may have increased their risk of developing stomach cancer up to eight times, according to Newsweek.

Side Effects Associated with Proton Pump Inhibitors

Adverse side effects and complications that have been linked to Proton Pump Inhibitors include:

  • Stomach Cancer
  • Gastric Cancer
  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Renal Failure
  • Acute Interstitial Nephritis
  • Spinal Fracture
  • Hip Fracture
  • Wrist Fracture
  • Abdominal pain
  • Serious Kidney Infection
  • Chronic stomach lining inflammation
  • Kidney Failure
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • Nausea

More information on stomach cancer

"People who used a proton pump inhibitor for over three years reportedly may have increased their risk of developing stomach cancer up to eight times."

Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Stomach cancer rarely shows any noticeable symptoms at an early stage. Some vague symptoms can be indigestion, loss of appetite and burning sensation in the stomach. As the cancer advances patient can experience fatigue, bloating of stomach after meals, weakness, constipation or occasional vomiting.

Stomach Cancer Causes

Scientists are still not sure of the real causes of the stomach cancer; however, a study on the stomach cancer cases reveals few common risk factors.:

  • Use of Proton Pump Inhibitor Medication
  • Smoking plays a major role in increasing the risk of developing cancer
  • Obesity is also one of the key factors in developing cancer
  • Genetics also contribute to stomach cancer

Types of Stomach Cancer

  • Adenocarcinoma: It is the most common type of stomach cancer which accounts for 95% of stomach cancers.
  • Carcinoid: Hormone producing cells can cause this cancer and is very rarely found in stomach.
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST): The epicenter of this cancer is specific nervous system cells found in the stomach.

Stomach Cancer Stages

There are four stages in stomach cancer.

Stage 1: It can be further differentiated as 1A and 1B
Stage 1A: The cancer may have spread into layer of tissue next to stomach wall.
Stage 1B: The cancer may have spread into layer of tissue next to stomach wall and in nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 2: The cancer may have spread into the layer between the muscles and the internal membrane of stomach wall and is found in 3 to 6 lymph nodes.
Stage 3: The cancer may have spread to nearby organs such as spleen, kidney, diaphragm etc. and has its presence more than 7 lymph nodes.
Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body and cure at this stage is rarely possible.

Stomach Cancer Prognosis

A study of survival statistics of people in similar conditions shows people who have survived at least 5 years after their cancer diagnosis were facing following stages of the cancer.

Stage 1A- 71%
Stage 1B- 57%
Stage 2- 39%
Stage 3- 14%
Stage 4- 4%

Stomach Cancer Treatment
There are several treatments methods available for stomach cancer. It depends on what stage the person is diagnosed with the disease:

Surgery:
The doctor may remove a part of the stomach or the infected tissues surrounding by. If the cancer has advanced he may remove the whole stomach.

Chemotherapy:
These drugs don’t allow the cancer cells from growing and kills them. You may take this orally or through an IV in hospitals.

Chemo radiation:
It is a mix of radiation (high energy waves) and chemo, which is often done before surgery to shrink the size of tumor.

Targeted drugs:
These drugs target only cancer cells unlike chemo and radiation which harm healthier cells also. Many drugs such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is approved against stomach cancer.

Stomach Cancer Prevention

  • Avoid Proton Pump Inhibitor Drugs
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid highly salted and smoked foods
  • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
  • Avoid getting employed in rubber and coal industry

Rate This Service

Rate this page

Did you or a loved one suffer from stomach cancer or gastric cancer after use of a prescription proton pump inhibitor like Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix or a number of others?

Find out if you may qualify for compensation.

Find Out More
Copyright © 2016-2017 Consumer Safety Watch. All Rights Reserved. Privacy / Terms / Disclaimer

Consumer Safety Watch offers safety advocate services and attorney referral services for patients throughout the United States including the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Consumer Safety Watch offers consumer safety advocate services or can help you find an attorney throughout the United States including the following cities: Albuquerque, NM; Arlington, TX; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Colorado Springs, CO; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Fresno, CA; Fort Worth, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, KS; Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Long Beach, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Mesa, AZ; Miami, FL; Miami, OH; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New York City, NY; Oakland, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, Tx; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO; Tampa, FL; Tucson, AZ; Tulsa, Virginia Beach, VA; Washington, DC; Wichita, KS.