Omeprazole Cancer Lawsuit

Explore Prilosec and Nexium Lawsuits With Our Kidney Damage Lawyers

An Omeprazole cancer lawsuit helps compensate you for the serious harm done by these commonly prescribed heartburn drugs. Proton pump inhibitor drugs have been linked to a number of serious conditions, including kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, as well as stomach cancer.

If you have used heartburn medications and were subsequently diagnosed with kidney disease, you may be eligible for a Prilosec or Nexium lawsuit. Contact our dangerous drug lawyers today for a free consultation about your legal options. 

What is Omeprazole and How Does it Work?

Omeprazole is one of a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce stomach acid production. It does this by blocking an enzyme, called the proton pump, from completing the chemical process necessary to produce hydrochloric acid, the primary ingredient in stomach acid.

However, it does not completely inhibit the production of stomach acid, so you can still digest food. If you took PPI drugs for five days, you would still have about 35% of your stomach acid. 

Common Uses of Omeprazole

Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole are designed to help those with chronic stomach acid issues. Some common uses include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Acid reflux
• Stomach ulcers
• Chronic heartburn

Brand Names and Generic Formulations

Two of the most well-known versions of omeprazole are the brand names Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid, as well as Prilosec OTC, which is available without a prescription. There are also generic omeprazole formulations that may be prescribed or sold over-the-counter. 

Potential Side Effects of Omeprazole

Proton pump inhibitor use can have adverse health effects, including very serious reactions. Some of these side effects include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
• Increased risk of bone fractures
• Gut infections, including Clostridium difficile
• Pneumonia

In addition to these, the use of proton pump inhibitors can reduce kidney function, leading to a high risk of chronic kidney disease. A study of 125,000 patients found that over half of those who suffered kidney damage did not exhibit signs of an acute kidney injury, meaning that doctors weren’t aware that there were any problems.

Link Between Omeprazole and Cancer: Research and Concerns

Nexium and Prilosec, as well as other omeprazole drugs, have been linked with serious health risks, including multiple types of cancer. The same mechanics that help this drug treat conditions related to excess stomach acid can also result in damage to the digestive tract, as well as other issues like acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. 

Studies Suggesting a Possible Increased Risk of Gastric Cancer

A 2022 study found that long-term use of omeprazole or other drugs in the PPI class increased risk of gastric cancer. This literature review analyzed studies published between 2000 and 2021, which represented over 10,000 patients using Nexium, Prilosec, or other proton pump inhibitors. After investigation, the researchers determined with 95% confidence that there was a link between stomach cancer and using PPIs. 

Other Potential Cancer Risks Associated with Long-Term PPI Use

While gastric cancer is the most well-studied risk of proton pump inhibitors, literature reviews suggest that it can also cause esophageal, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. 

PPI drugs, including Nexium and Prilosec, have been associated with kidney injuries, including acute interstitial nephritis, chronic kidney failure, and end-stage renal disease. These medical conditions can lead to wrongful death if not immediately treated. 

How Omeprazole Might Contribute to Cancer Development

PPIs like Prilosec and Nexium are associated with hypergastrinemia, which is excess gastrin. Reducing stomach acid production leads to a rise in this carcinogenic hormone. Gastrin is thought to cause cancer through the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK2R) pathway, which encourages uncontrollable cell growth and inhibits normal cell death. 

Excess gastrin also results in kidney risks, including renal failure. A study of patients awaiting kidney transplants, suffering from chronic kidney disease, or battling acute injuries found that significant percentages of each group had elevated gastrin levels in their plasma, suggesting a link between high gastrin and kidney problems. 

The Importance of Ongoing Research and Monitoring

While research suggests a link between omeprazole and cancer, investigation is still ongoing to better understand how this occurs. Current theories suggest a connection between bacterial overgrowth, gastrin production, and chronic inflammation. A 2024 overview of current research suggested that using these drugs for more than three months can increase the risk of cancer and other issues, such as end-stage kidney failure. 

Potential Defendants in an Omeprazole Lawsuit

A variety of parties may be defendants in a PPI lawsuit. These include Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) manufacturers and doctors. 

Drug manufacturers like AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Procter & Gamble can be held accountable in proton pump inhibitor lawsuits under the concept of product liability. 

Given the risks of acute kidney injury or cancer, doctors should be cautious about prescribing PPIs for acid reflux or other issues. They should also properly monitor patients, including testing kidney function and running regular bloodwork. If they fail to do so, this could be considered medical malpractice. 

Seeking Compensation for Omeprazole-Related Cancer

Prilosec and Nexium lawsuits are civil lawsuits to help patients recover financial compensation for their injuries. If you are eligible, we can negotiate a settlement that covers your medical bills and other costs. 

Who Can File an Omeprazole Lawsuit?

You can file an omeprazole lawsuit if you have developed cancer, especially stomach cancer, after long-term PPI use. If a loved one died from cancer, you can file a wrongful death suit for damages. 

Types of Damages in an Cancer Lawsuit

Cancer survivors can receive both economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Some of these include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical needs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Wrongful death damages, like funeral and burial costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A reasonable personal injury settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your evidence. For example, if you suffered severe kidney damage or developed stage 4 stomach cancer, you would be entitled to more.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Omeprazole Caused Your Cancer

You must act quickly to file a proton pump inhibitor lawsuit and to protect your health. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Consult with Your Doctor: Visit a well-regarded cancer hospital in Chicago, such as Rush University Medical Center or Northwestern Memorial Hospital, for testing.
• Gather Your Medical Records: You must prove that you were on a PPI drug prior to your diagnosis. Collect your medical charts, refill requests or receipts, and test results.
• Document Your Symptoms: Keeping a journal of your symptoms, treatments, and daily life can help prove your non-economic damages. 
• Contact a Stomach Cancer Lawyer: Call us for a free consultation about your legal options following a cancer diagnosis. 

Filing a Lawsuit 

We can help you decide whether to join a class action lawsuit or multidistrict litigation (MDL). With a class action PPI lawsuit, numerous plaintiffs come together and receive a unilateral summary judgment, which will be paid from a global settlement fund. 

MDL involves the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation choosing to combine the discovery process for thousands of lawsuits into one jurisdiction. All information is shared, and bellwether trials are completed to properly test whether all the lawsuits have merit. When this is complete, the Nexium or Prilosec lawsuits will return to separate court cases. 

AstraZeneca settled several multidistrict litigation cases in 2023 for a confidential sum, but the manufacturer claims that they are not liable. 

Our team is committed to thoroughly investigating and representing every plaintiff’s claim, ensuring that they have the best possible chance of compensation. We will guide you through the litigation process, including gathering evidence and negotiating with the liable party. 

Investigating Your Claim and Gathering Evidence

To file a lawsuit in Illinois, the plaintiff’s physicians must file an affidavit of merit, which affirms that the injury was likely caused by the PPI drugs and not another cause (735 ILCS § 5/2-622). Through our connections, we will find expert witnesses who can provide their impartial testimony about your injuries.

We will thoroughly investigate your claim, including reviewing your medical records and the scientific evidence behind PPI-related cancer. The goal of reviewing your records is to demonstrate that you did not have any preexisting conditions, that you used PPIs for an extended period of time, and that the PPIs were directly connected to your cancer diagnosis or kidney damage. 

Drafting and Filing the Complaint

The next step is to file a formal complaint. This complaint will show how the liable party is responsible for your injuries and what damages you suffered. Court procedures can be challenging, as there are many deadlines and all the paperwork must be properly filed. Using our years of experience, we will ensure that your complaint is filed in a timely manner and contains all relevant information. 

The Discovery Process: Exchanging Information

The discovery process is a key element of any lawsuit. This is when both parties gather and share information related to the case so that everyone has access to the same information.

There are a few types of evidence that we will use. The first is depositions, which are recorded interviews with witnesses under oath. Attorneys from both sides can ask questions, and a court reporter will create a transcript.

Interrogatories are also a way to collect information. Attorneys will write down questions for witnesses to answer. Their written answers will then be submitted to the court as evidence.

Lastly, we can request documents from other parties, which can be used to prove the link between your illness and heartburn drug use. These can include medical records, pharmaceutical research, and written communications between parties in the suit. 

Negotiating a Settlement

Many Prilosec and Nexium lawsuits are settled out of court. This negotiation process involves submitting a demand letter to the liable party, where we explain why we believe you deserve compensation and how much we are requesting. The company or hospital’s insurance agency will then provide a counteroffer, which we can discuss with you. 

If you agree to the sum, then you will sign a contract with the insurance company promising not to request more and to keep your settlement confidential. This process can continue until you’re satisfied, or until we decide to go to trial instead. 

Going to Trial

With a trial, both sides will work together to select an impartial jury, then present evidence at trial. During the closing arguments, we explain why we believe the jury should side with you. The jury will then go into deliberation and return a verdict, including how much they believe you deserve in damages. 

Statute of Limitations

The Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury is just two years (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, this may be extended under the delayed discovery rule, such as if you did not get diagnosed with cancer until years after PPI use. The deadline would then be two years after your diagnosis. 

Why Choose Our Chicago Omeprazole Cancer Lawyers?

Our award-winning attorneys have helped over 5,000 clients get justice for their injuries. We have years of experience in product liability lawsuits and have won millions of dollars for injured parties, such as $4,222,000 for a defective product resulting in catastrophic injuries. 

Negotiating with major companies can be very challenging, as they have teams of highly experienced attorneys that will do everything possible to diminish your settlement. They may insist that your cancer diagnosis was due to preexisting conditions while attacking your credibility in court. Our dedicated attorneys will protect your legal rights while pushing for maximum compensation. 

By working on a contingency fee basis for every client, we ensure everyone can access the best legal assistance regardless of their financial means. We’ll handle all communications with third parties and apply all our resources to your case, including consulting with medical experts on your behalf. Most importantly, we will deal with the logistical challenges of a lawsuit so that you can focus on recovery.

Consult an Omeprazole Cancer Lawyer Near You!

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after using omeprazole or another proton pump inhibitor, we can help you get justice. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is the premier product liability firm serving the Chicago metropolitan area and Northern Illinois.To schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Chicago, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.