Serious Complications Are Also Possible From Phospho Soda Bowel Prep
After significant reports of kidney damage and other Phospho Soda injuries, the Food and Drug Administration released a warning informing the general public of the risks involved with taking the popular laxative. The product was often given to patients as a bowel prep before colonoscopy procedures and was considered safe by the medical community. It was also available in two different potencies, one as an over-the-counter drug and the other as a prescription. Following the announcement, the company conducted a comprehensive Fleet Phospho-Soda recall of all but the prescription versions, Visicol and OsmoPrep. The two prescribed medications now feature “black box” warnings to accurately reflect the serious nature of associated side effects. The medication is also known generically as an oral sodium phosphate (OSP). One of the concerns that the FDA made apparent in its warnings was the risk of kidney failure due to the potency of the over-the-counter version of the drug. In many cases, injury occurred because, taken at large doses, it is as strong as those prescribed by doctors. According to the FDA, “Though rare, there are serious adverse events associated with the use of oral sodium phosphates - both prescription and over-the-counter products. In some cases, these serious adverse events occurred in patients with no pre-existing health factors that would have put them at risk for developing kidney injury.” In the case of Hancock, Abrams, and Hite, involved in a suit against the parent company, each of the women purchased the laxative at a large chain store, and took the recommended dose. Within days, all three suffered serious kidney damage, and had to be treated by a nephrologist. To date there have been over 150 suits filed because of this and similar harm, and many more are still coming to light. The main culprit of related renal damage is acute phosphate nephropathy, a condition that results when crystals form in the renal tubules. This blockage leads to kidney failure and, if untreated, death. Many individuals who have suffered this disease have required kidney transplants. The only way to positively diagnose this condition is with a biopsy, a procedure that must be done by a surgeon. A few signs and symptoms that can serve as warnings of the disease and/or impending renal failure include: Muscle spasms or twitching Bloating and water retention Limited or lacking urination Malaise High blood pressure Seizures
There are also known negative interactions with many drugs, including narcotics, diuretics, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-nausea medications, anti-psychotics, blood pressure medications, and some common migraine drugs. These drugs can raise the risk of serious complications. Many victims of these related conditions have sought legal help to determine if they are eligible for compensation. If you believe your harm is a result of the company’s failure to include appropriate warnings on the medication, you should seek the aid of both your physician and a lawyer. Once you get the right treatment and documentation, you may be able to proceed with litigation.
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