Prilosec Cancer

Information from Acid Reflux Medicine Attorneys | Prilosec Cancer Lawsuits

Prilosec Heartburn Medicine

Prilosec is a medication used to treat acid-related disorders such as GERD, heartburn, acid reflux and other esophageal and gastric disorders. Prilosec is known as a proton-pump inhibitor, a type of drug that blocks the stomach’s production of acid. PPIs are the most prescribed class of drug in the United States, yielding $10 billion in annual sales. Prilosec is a leading drug worldwide, marketed by Procter and Gamble and Astra-Zeneca. Some medical experts assert that Prilosec is overprescribed due to misdiagnosis.

Available both over the counter and by prescription, Prilosec has historically been widely regarded as safe for daily use on a long-term basis. Several recent studies have proven otherwise, noting an increased risk for gastrointestinal cancer from Prilosec.

Prilosec and Cancer

Prilosec and other PPIs have been found to result in an increased risk for gastrointestinal tumors, including stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer. They way Prilosec works, halting the production of stomach acid, is believed to be the cause of stomach cancer.

Typically, digestion involves gastric cells in the stomach releasing a hormone known as gastrin. Gastrin signals the parietal cells to pump acid. In patients taking Prilosec, the pump in the parietal cells is blocked from creating more stomach acid. When the acid isn’t pumped, the body keeps making more gastrin. This abundance of gastrin stimulates the growth of tumors in the stomach and throughout the gastrointestinal system.

Prilosec Cancer Research

Results of a Prilosec cancer study conducted at the University of Hong Kong were released in 2018. After monitoring 60,000 patients taking Prilosec or a similar PPI drug, researchers concluded that taking Prilosec long-term more than doubles a patient’s risk of developing stomach cancer. A Swedish study came to similar conclusions.

Failure to Warn: Prilosec Cancer Risk

Through no fault of their own and with no warning, millions of patients have been exposed to a risk for Prilosec cancer. Manufacturers Astra-Zeneca and Procter and Gamble knew or should have known of the Prilosec cancer risk.

With annual revenues over $22 billion and $19 billion respectively, Astra-Zeneca and Procter and Gamble were responsible for testing their product for safety and warning the public of any risks. These companies must be held accountable for failure to warn regarding Prilosec cancer.

Prilosec Cancer FAQ

This section provides answers to the most common questions our attorneys receive about filing a Prilosec cancer lawsuit for stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, or liver cancer. While these answers apply to most general Prilosec cancer questions, our attorneys are also available to discuss the particulars of your situation or answer further questions. Our attorneys handling Prilosec cancer claims provide free, no obligation case review.

Does Prilosec cause cancer?

Two studies, conducted in Hong Kong and Sweden, came to similar conclusions that taking Prilosec causes cancer. Specifically, an excess of the hormone gastrin is thought to result in gastrointestinal tumor growth.

What kinds of cancer does Prilosec cause?

Prilosec cancer includes various types of GI cancer, including stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer.

How long have Procter & Gamble and Astra-Zeneca known that Prilosec causes cancer?

It is uncertain whether Astra-Zeneca and Procter & Gamble knew of the Prilosec cancer link prior to 2017-2018 when major independent studies on the subject were published. However, it is the responsibility of each drugmaker to conduct pre- and post-market research to ensure the safety of their products--and to warn consumers of risks. Prilosec cancer lawsuits allege failure to warn.

Who can file a lawsuit for Prilosec cancer?

Persons and family members of persons having taken Prilosec and developed stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer may be eligible to file a Prilosec cancer lawsuit. Prilosec cancer lawsuits may result in significant compensation for pain, suffering, lost income, medical expenses and other losses associated with Prilosec cancer.