Multiple Studies Link Popular Heartburn Medications to COVID-19
As the world reels from the ongoing damage caused by the pandemic, numerous studies suggest popular heartburn, GERD, and acid reflux medications may be contributing to more cases of COVID-19 and worse health outcomes.
Prescription and over-the-counter heartburn, GERD, and acid reflux medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs work by suppressing stomach acid production. Popular name brand PPIs include Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Dexilant, Protonix, Aciphex, and Zegerid. While reducing stomach acid can help treat heartburn, stomach acid is one of the human body’s first lines of defense against bacteria and viruses. Accordingly, numerous researchers set out to find whether a reduction in stomach acid production caused by PPIs was contributing to the coronavirus pandemic. While scientific research continues, more than sixteen studies have been performed in ten different countries. The studies are published in respected medical journals such as The American Journal of Gastroenterology and Gut, an official journal of the British Society of Gastroenterology. The results are alarming.
As recognized in a recent meta-analysis of the published studies, current use of Proton Pump Inhibitors is associated with an approximate doubling of the risk of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, current or regular use of Proton Pump Inhibitors was associated with an approximate 67% increased risk of severe COVID-19 health outcomes, such as intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death.
While individuals are making sacrifices and taking reasonable steps to mitigate their risk of COVID-19, they are not being warned of the risks posed by their ongoing use of Proton Pump Inhibitors. If you or a loved one were using a Proton Pump Inhibitor, contracted COVID-19, and were admitted to the ICU, received mechanical ventilation, were diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome, or died, Burg Simpson can help. Burg Simpson’s experienced mass tort litigation attorneys have successfully represented thousands of individuals who have been injured by dangerous pharmaceutical products. Click here to fill out a Free Case Evaluation Form or call them directly at (513) 852-5600.