Oral Sodium Phosphates Linked to Kidney Damage
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently put out an alert about two prescription drugs used to cleanse the bowel before a colonoscopy that may cause kidney damage. According to a Health Day news report, the oral sodium phosphate products Visicol and OsmoPrep could cause acute phosphate nephropathy, in other words, severe kidney damage. The FDA has apparently received reports of 20 unique cases of kidney damage associated with the use of OsmoPrep. The onset of kidney injury in these cases varied, occurring in some patients within several hours of using these drugs, and in other cases, up to 21 days after use. A number of patients routinely take oral sodium phosphate products – either prescription or over-the-counter – to clean the intestines prior to a colonoscopy or other medical procedures.
In 2006, the FDA put out an alert saying that sodium phosphates should be used with caution. Now the federal agency is saying that oral sodium phosphate products should not be used by patients under the age of 18 or in combination with other laxatives containing sodium phosphate. Those at risk also include patients 55 years of age or older; people who suffer from dehydration, kidney disease, acute colitis or delayed bowel emptying; and those taking medication for kidney function such as diuretics.
There is no question that colon cancer screening is extremely important. However, it is also important that any medications such as oral sodium phosphates that are used to facilitate this screening be administered with abundant caution. As with any procedure, doctors must weigh the risks against the benefits. However, if you sustain kidney damage or injury as a result of being administered these medications, you may be entitled to compensation. If you have been adversely affected by oral sodium phosphates, or any other pharmaceutical, please contact an experienced Missouri liability attorney at Page Cagle for a free consultation. Call (866) 620-5757 today.
