Thousands of plaintiffs across the United States have filed PPI (proton pump inhibitor) lawsuits against the manufacturers of toxic heartburn medications.
The heartburn medication lawsuits allege that had the public been adequately warned of these health risks, patients would have used different medications for acid-related stomach problems, and had doctors closely watched their health for potential symptoms of kidney damage, their health outcomes would have been different.
What Are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?
PPIs are prescribed to manage and treat ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Also, they counter problems that occur when stomach acid enters the esophagus. If these problems occur regularly, they can cause a medical condition known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
These medications work by reducing the production of stomach acid in the cells lining the stomach. They help prevent ulcers from occurring and even help in the healing process. By lowering the acid levels in the stomach, they alleviate acid reflux-related symptoms, such as heartburn.
They are referred to as ‘proton pump inhibitors’ because they block the chemical system called ‘proton pump,’ also known as the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system. This chemical is found in the cells of the stomach lining that produce stomach acid.
These heartburn medications have been attributed to an increase in severe health risks, including stomach and kidney problems.
A study on the impact of PPI drugs versus H2 inhibitor drugs found that those using PPI heartburn drugs were 98% more likely to suffer from kidney damage and 28% more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease compared to those taking H2 blockers.
Which PPI Drugs Are Involved in Legal Action?
Plaintiffs across the United States have filed 18,600 heartburn medication lawsuits against the makers of Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec because they alleged that they developed medical complications, like kidney injury, kidney disease, acute interstitial nephritis, stomach cancer, and kidney failure, after consuming these heartburn medications. Of the 18,600 lawsuits, 11,591 cases are still pending as the settlement process is ongoing.
The PPI inhibitor lawsuit, MDL No. 2789, alleges that manufacturers didn’t adequately warn doctors and patients about the potential dangers of taking these drugs, despite being well aware of those risks. Some Nexium Prilosec lawsuits claim that AstraZeneca was aware of kidney problems for at least a decade before issuing warnings to the public.
PPI brands and their manufacturers involved in the PPI legal action include:
| Medication Name (Generic Name) | Manufacturer |
| Nexium (esomeprazole) | AstraZeneca |
| Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) | Takeda Pharmaceuticals |
| Prilosec OTC (omeprazole) | Procter & Gamble |
| Prilosec (omeprazole) | AstraZeneca |
| Prevacid (lansoprazole) | Takeda Pharmaceuticals |
| Protonix (pantoprazole) | Pfizer |
Why Are PPI Medications Facing Lawsuits?
Most of the cases filed against PPI manufacturers have been merged into a proton pump MDL 2789 before Honorable Judges Claire C. Cechi and Leda Dunn Wettre in the United States District Court District of New Jersey. The purpose of centralizing these lawsuits into the proton pump inhibitor MDL is to streamline the thousands of legal actions with similar fact statements and claims against the popular Proton pump inhibitor-manufacturer defendants.
The PPI inhibitor cases will share pre-trial proceedings to avoid duplicative discovery and foster consistent rulings across different jurisdictions. In addition, this type of judicial process helps narrow down the lawsuits to at least six bellwether cases.
The claimants in these lawsuits are pursuing monetary compensation for the injuries and illnesses they sustained after using PPI medications. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued various safety warnings since 2017 regarding the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. Still, plaintiffs allege that PPI makers knew the health risks linked to these products but failed to warn consumers adequately.
PPI class action litigation in the MDL outlines several injuries from taking these drugs. These include severe, life-threatening health conditions.
Injuries and illnesses named in PPI class action lawsuits include:
- Acute kidney injury
- End-stage renal failure
- Acute interstitial nephritis
- Chronic kidney disease
A recent study found that PPI consumption elevates the risk of cancer. The study reviewed data from over 6 million participants, covering various types of cancer. The data from this analysis reveal that PPI consumption elevates the risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and gastric cancer.
Common Health Risks Linked to PPI Use
Proton pump inhibitor side effects linked to PPI use have been well-documented since PPIs were first introduced on the market in 1989.
They include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Rapid breathing
- Rashes
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Altering your dosage may prevent severe effects. However, don’t stop using PPIs without consulting your doctor. And if you believe you’ve been injured because of taking PPIs, call an experienced proton pump inhibitor attorney right away to learn about your legal options.
In recent years, reported PPI long-term use risks include:
- Dementia
- Colon infection
- Hypergastrinemia
- Impaired liver function
- Pneumonia
- Weakness of bones, causing fractures
- Allergic reactions
- Pancreatitis
- Heart disease
- Stomach cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Kidney disease
Personal injury lawyers nationwide are investigating these fatal side health risks to seek compensation for victims. If you’ve suffered any of these health risks, contact a PPI attorney as soon as possible.
Kidney Damage From PPIs
A 2017 study showed that patients who take PPIs are 95% more likely to develop kidney disease. Kidney disease, also known as kidney failure, is a chronic condition in which the kidneys’ ability to function properly is impaired. Kidneys filter waste and fluids in the body. If they don’t work correctly, waste may build up in the body, ultimately causing death if you don’t get proper treatment.
Broken Bones From PPIs
Weak bones may lead to fractures, particularly in the wrist, hips, and spine. One study found that PPIs are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density. Medical researchers believe that PPIs reduce the body’s ability to produce and maintain adequate calcium levels, reducing bone density and increasing the risk of fractures.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Gastric Cancer
Research shows that patients who take PPIs for prolonged periods are at higher risk of developing stomach injuries, such as stomach cancer. The most prone patients are those with underlying conditions.
Current Status of the PPI Lawsuit in 2025
As of July 2025, only 11,591 cases of the 18,600 filed against PPI manufacturers are pending in federal court in the PPI MDL 2789 in New Jersey.
In October 2023, AstraZeneca, one of the defendants in the PPI litigation, agreed to a $425 million settlement amount for Nexium Prilosec lawsuits. This resolved most lawsuits in the New Jersey MDL. The PPI lawsuit settlement was announced a few days before the first bellwether trial, scheduled for October 10, 2023.
Who Is Eligible to File a PPI Lawsuit?
Suppose you took over-the-counter or prescription PPIs and developed any of these injuries. In that case, you may be eligible to take legal action against PPI manufacturers to recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, punitive damages, and pain and suffering.
- Gastric or stomach cancer
- Kidney failure
- Acute kidney injury or renal failure
- Chronic kidney disease.
Since PPI manufacturers were negligent, they should be held liable for the harm their products caused. Adverse health complications might not be reversible; however, an injured party shouldn’t be left alone to cover the costs of this devastating negligence.
How to Take Legal Action if You’ve Been Affected
If you developed any health complications after taking heartburn medications, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Taking prompt action can help you prevent developing severe health risks.
Additionally, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your circumstances. After determining if you qualify to file a PPI inhibitor lawsuit, hire an attorney to represent you throughout the complicated legal process.
Next, learn more about the civil lawsuit process, so that you’re aware of what to expect in your proton pump inhibitor side effect lawsuit.
Your PPI inhibitor attorney will collect all the documents about your lawsuit. Gathering evidence to support your allegation is crucial in the success of your PPI litigation.
Your personal injury attorney will also help you determine the damages that you’ve incurred due to your injuries. Often, in defective product lawsuits, claimants seek compensatory and punitive damages.
If you were prescribed proton pump inhibitors and were later diagnosed with kidney failure or gastric cancer, you may qualify to pursue compensation by filing a PPI inhibitor lawsuit.
At AllConsumer.com, we partner with several personal injury lawyers who can help you file a successful PPI inhibitor lawsuit and recover adequate compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
