Commonly Prescribed Medications Linked to Dementia
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of extremely popular drugs used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD or acid reflux), indigestion, heartburn, and peptic ulcers. While highly effective in treating these conditions, PPIs have also been reported to have some severe side effects, including chronic kidney disease, increased heart attack risk, birth defects, and more. Now a recent study has suggested a link between PPI use and an increased risk of dementia.
PPIs come in prescription form:
• Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole)
• Nexium (Esomeprazole)
• Protonix (Pantoprazole)
• Aciphex (Rabeprazole)
And over the counter form:
• Prevacid (Lansoprazole)
• Prilosec, Losec, Omesec (Omeprazole)
• Zegerid (Omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate)
Using a prescription drug database of 73,679 dementia free men and women aged 75 years and older, German researchers discovered that those who regularly used PPIs had a higher rate of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia after five years, compared to those who did not use the drugs. The increased rate of dementia was astounding, 52 percent in men and 42 percent in women. While the authors of the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology, said their findings do not prove PPI use causes dementia, it does show a statistical association. Lead author Britta Haenisch, of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, said “This is just a piece of the puzzle. Clinicians, pharmacists and patients have to weigh the benefits against the potential side effects, and future studies will help to better inform these decisions.”
If you have been using any of the above mentioned medications and notice any adverse side effects, you may be eligible for compensation from the drug’s manufacturer. To get the settlement you deserve, it is vital that you retain a skilled litigator. The attorneys at Farah & Farah can answer any questions you may have about your legal rights and options. Call (800) 533-3555 for a free consultation.
