The modern age has brought us many conveniences, including a plethora of medications to treat various ailments.

However, it's becoming increasingly clear that some of these medical marvels may come with hidden costs to our health.

A recent revelation has surfaced that could potentially affect thousands of Australians, particularly those over 60 who are more likely to rely on long-term medication.

A class action lawsuit is brewing, with claims that common prescription and over-the-counter medications, specifically those designed to treat heartburn and gastric reflux, have been linked to serious health risks such as stomach cancer and kidney damage.

This news is particularly alarming for the estimated 100,000 Aussies who may be eligible to join the lawsuit, seeking compensation for the alleged harm caused by these drugs.

The investigation has been launched after common prescription and over-the-counter drugs have been found to be allegedly linked with stomach cancer and kidney failure. Credit: Shutterstock

To be eligible for the class action, individuals must 'have been diagnosed with stomach cancers or kidney failure after you started taking one (or more) of the PPI drugs'.

The medications in question are known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and they include widely recognised names such as Nexium or Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole), Losec (omeprazole), Somac (pantoprazole), Pariet (rabeprazole), and Zoton FasTabs (lansoprazole).

While some of these require a prescription, others are available over the counter, making them easily accessible to a broad segment of the population.

Craig Allsopp, Joint Head of Class Actions at Shine Lawyers, said PPIs 'reduce the amount of acid made by the stomach and are used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers'.

'PPIs are some of the most-prescribed medicines on the market, and consumers typically take PPIs for longer periods and at higher doses than recommended,' he added.

However, this suppression of stomach acid can lead to an increase in gastrin levels, a hormone that, when elevated, has been linked to the formation of cancer cells.

The potential gastric cancers associated with these drugs include neuroendocrine tumours and adenocarcinomas, while the suspected kidney injuries range from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disorder and kidney failure.

These are serious conditions that can significantly impact one's quality of life and, in some cases, be life-threatening.

The Melbourne-based law firm Shine Lawyers has taken the helm of this class action investigation, partnering with US law firm Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman.

They are examining whether drug manufacturers failed to adequately inform consumers about the risks associated with PPIs.

‘The class action will explore whether there is a claim for statutory safety defects, breaches of guarantee and/or negligence by the manufacturers, like AstraZeneca and Merck,' Allsopp said.

It's worth noting that AstraZeneca has already settled kidney claims related to Nexium and Prilosec (marketed as Losec in Australia) for a staggering $637 million in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Common medications for heartburn and gastric reflux, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), have been allegedly linked to serious health risks such as stomach cancer and kidney failure.
• A class action investigation has been launched by Melbourne-based law firm Shine Lawyers, with an estimated 100,000 Australians potentially eligible for compensation.
• The investigation will focus on whether the manufacturers of these drugs, including well-known brands like Nexium, Losec, and Somac, failed to adequately inform consumers about the potential risks associated with their use.
• A significant settlement has already been reached in the United States, where AstraZeneca paid $637 million in relation to kidney claims against their drugs Nexium and Prilosec (marketed as Losec in Australia).

Have you or a loved one experienced any adverse effects from taking PPI medications? Share your story with us in the comments below.

 

[Littleboy8]

My husband had been on Somac for years and then was switched to Nexium. 2 years ago he needed a nephrectomy to remove not 1, not 2 but 3 cancers from his kidney. I was on Somac for several years then stopped taking it. I am currently waiting for a peritonectomy to remove a tumour the size of a 2L milk bottle from my stomach.

Omg how awful for you I hope everything goes well for you

 

[marni]

I am on this. Checked with doctor - he said you need them and no alternative and you have a chance of cancer in the OESOPHAGUS - Checked with chemist - there are alternatives but we are unable to get any as they are all out of stock. I have tried everything else and am unable to eat without ppi, lose weight if I go without. These are balanced repercussions , the same with hubby and blood thinners. Medicine walks on a knife edge

 

[marni]

What I want to know is WHY HAVE THEY NOT BEEN REMOVED FROM SALE !!!

Because some have no alternative.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Because some have no alternative.

You would think that they would have come up with an alternative. I begrudgingly took my sumac yesterday due to heartburn and it was water that gave it to me.

 

[June E]

I joined the class action. I was put on Nexium more years ago than I can remember ! I had 3 cancers between 2022 and 2023 including bowel cancer. My Dr gave me another script just weeks ago
When I asked for my usual scripts I haven’t taken it for awhile now. Makes you think about what other poisons they are giving us !

 

[June E]

Because some have no alternative.

There are better ways to treat it !!

 

[Jennie]

I have been on pantaprazole for years. I take a tablet every day. Now I am worried!

I have been taking Pariet for over 20 years. It was only 1 tablet a day but now 20mg twice a day owing to intramucosal cancer of the oesophagus that was removed 4yrs ago. My Dr checks my liver and kidney function every 6 mths and every thing is fine. Diet has nothing to do with my gastric problem, it is because I produce too much gastric juice.

 

[DLHM]

I joined the class action. I was put on Nexium more years ago than I can remember ! I had 3 cancers between 2022 and 2023 including bowel cancer. My Dr gave me another script just weeks ago
When I asked for my usual scripts I haven’t taken it for awhile now. Makes you think about what other poisons they are giving us !

We just have to weigh up the pros and cons. I don’t rely on the doctors’ advice without question.

I never fill a script for a new medication without researching it. Sometimes it’s best to use poisons to improve quality of life.

Ultimately the choice is ours. Live and learn.

 

[Viellarde]

I have been taking Pariet for over 20 years. It was only 1 tablet a day but now 20mg twice a day owing to intramucosal cancer of the oesophagus that was removed 4yrs ago. My Dr checks my liver and kidney function every 6 mths and every thing is fine. Diet has nothing to do with my gastric problem, it is because I produce too much gastric juice.

And you do what you need to do. My heart goes out to you.

 

[steamyjack]

According to the FDA, using Nexium for a long period of time may increase the risk of inflammation of the stomach lining1. At least one study showed long term use of Nexium and other PPIs could also increase the risk of death1. The FDA warns that patients should never take Nexium 24HR for more than 14 days at a time1. Nexium is safe for short-term use, but it can be quite hazardous to take it for a prolonged period of time

Dear Jack, Please be careful with this medication, I am very sorry I didn't question why my husband was taking Losec for so long. For many months before he passed away, he could not keep any food or fluid in his stomach. It was heartbreaking.

Looks like I'll be hitting the bi-carb .Don't tell me that'll be a problem

 

[Clancieblue]

Looks like I'll be hitting the bi-carb .Don't tell me that'll be a problem

My Husband had erosion of his esophagus originally, which was why he was prescribed Losec in the first place. I think taking it over 30yrs did more harm than good. Just be safe and check.

 

[marni]

I joined the class action. I was put on Nexium more years ago than I can remember ! I had 3 cancers between 2022 and 2023 including bowel cancer. My Dr gave me another script just weeks ago
When I asked for my usual scripts I haven’t taken it for awhile now. Makes you think about what other poisons they are giving us !

You are so lucky. I have tried other medications or none at all. I end up unable to eat as I am so sore and sick. Nothing else works. I live in hope

 

[Abby2]

My mum developed ulcers in her stomach which were surgically removed after taking Somac for 4 months .
After that found relief for her gastric reflux by taking Slippery elm supplement.

 

[Clancieblue]

My mum developed ulcers in her stomach which were surgically removed after taking Somac for 4 months .
After that found relief for her gastric reflux by taking Slippery elm supplement.

I think it's a delicate balancing act.

 

[Gezzabel]

I have tried to contact Craig Allsop from Shine Lawyers, several weeks ago. I have not received a response at all, and my experience with Nexium was nearly fatal. It dropped my sodium levels so low, that I had seizures and convulsions, due to near lethal sodium levels. I lost my license for 6 months also, as a result of this. I wish that could at least have the courtesy to respond to my emails. I’m not sure what to do. I think if you nearly die from this medication, someone should be accountable. I live in fear that it could happen again, but what if I was driving. All investigations were normal, and no brain tumour was detected, and epilepsy was excluded. I’m not sure what to do. I hope a member can give me advice. Many thanks, Gezabel.

 

[Jest]

i have just been issued with this product and now i go against my doctor and stop. i have too many things to be concerned about without this worry. thankyou for this news.

 

[Chicky]

I have been on pantaprazole for years. I take a tablet every day. Now I am worried!

Me too it's the only thing that stops the reflux. I've tried diet etc and nothing else works . Even water can set my reflux off.
I will have to take my chances by the look of it.

 

[magpie1]

My husband had been on Somac for years and then was switched to Nexium. 2 years ago he needed a nephrectomy to remove not 1, not 2 but 3 cancers from his kidney. I was on Somac for several years then stopped taking it. I am currently waiting for a peritonectomy to remove a tumour the size of a 2L milk bottle from my stomach.

Wish you all the very best for your up coming peritonectomy....good health and a speedy recovery Gnomie1.

 

[deni67]

I have been prescribed Pantoprazole for years and my symptoms have worsened markedly over time. My doctor is initiating investigations to determine the cause of the many digestive problems I have. Old age is probably a major cause! It is becoming harder and harder to find any treatments for conditions that don't end up making the condition worse. How many patients actually read all the way through the tiny print that is on the Patient Information leaflet sometimes included with medications? Not all medications even provide them! I was told by one pharmaceutical company many years ago that they were only required to make this information available to the pharmacies and it was then up to the pharmacies to pass this on to the customers on request. What a joke! In the meantime the pharmaceutical companies get richer and richer while the patients get poorer and sicker. We are supposed to be able to rely on our doctors to prescribe safe and effective medications but do they actually know this or are they relying on what the pharmaceutical companies tell them? And is it reasonable to expect them to know exactly what the right medication is for any individual person? How many times is the patient told that we can 'try' a medication and see if it works? Have we become immune to the changes that occur in our bodies when something doesn't seem right and just learn to live with it instead of returning to the doctor for further advice? Is this even possible for some people who may already be over burdened with essential bills for life necessities and may not have the capacity to keep paying for doctor consultations? Somebody mentioned the diet factor and I think this is a very valid point. We seem to have become a society that just assumes that because a food is offered for sale it must be safe. What about the actual nutritional value and the impact of whatever chemicals may have been used to produce it? Some foods are treated with chemicals to preserve them before even making it to the shops. Do we know what they are and what impact they could have on the human system? So many, many questions! I think I'd like to find a desert island and live on wild coconuts and bananas!!!

When my partner and I get new medications I read the information leaflet online, because more times than not, as you said, we don't get one from the Chemist.
I look for interactions with other drugs we're taking and if there is any I space out the meds for a few hours each day. I take Serequel 200 every night but my partner is on a massive dose of 1200 a night, this gives him a solid 6 to 8 hours sleep, that amount would likely kill me.

Also my doctor put me on Stemzine*/Stemtile* for vertigo and nausea, at first they were good then in March this year I got rushed to the hospital because I couldn't stand after I took one of those tablets, I stayed there a week until I was better but they couldn't find the cause. Then in June this year I took a Stemzine* and couldn't stand up again, but this time I was slurring my words and no one could understand me, I was rushed off to hospital again and it was found out the Stemzine* was to blame so i'm banned from using them now.
It took me two weeks to learn to stand and walk again and my speech came back slowly, I got sick of people hanging up on me on the phone because they couldn't understand a word I said, I knew what I was trying to say but it just wouldn't come out right lol..

 

[deni67]

I joined the class action. I was put on Nexium more years ago than I can remember ! I had 3 cancers between 2022 and 2023 including bowel cancer. My Dr gave me another script just weeks ago
When I asked for my usual scripts I haven’t taken it for awhile now. Makes you think about what other poisons they are giving us !

Funny you should say that, even though I read all of the information about each drug I take I never saw that Nexium could cause cancer.
On the 29th of April this year I was rushed to hospital, which I remember nothing of, I had a cat scan then an emergency operation to remove a large tumor from my bowel, I was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer, at the time they said they got it all, thank god. They kept giving me Nexium in the hospital but since I came out I haven't taken it because I haven't suffered from reflux.