What Causes Fleet Soda Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

Taking The Phospho Soda Bowel Prep Allows Crystals To Build Up In The Kidneys

The most prominent cause of Fleet Soda acute phosphate nephropathy is the use of OSPs, or oral sodium phosphate. In some individuals, this serious medical condition can manifest hours or days after initially taking the medication. It occurs when a buildup of crystals forms in the renal tubules of the kidneys, essentially blocking them. If not caught early, the disease can lead to kidney failure and other associated risks, including death.

Many doctors have directed patients to use the bowel prep product, but until 2009 it was believed to be relatively safe in the medical community in spite of mounting evidence to the contrary. The FDA connected 21 cases of serious kidney damage to the drug in their report, all associated with having used the bowel prep. One high profile lawsuit was filed on behalf of Hancock, Abrams, and Hite in 2009. All three women experienced serious associated medical complications after using the medication, including kidney damage and renal failure. In 2007 a woman also filed suit against the company when she endured serious injury following a post-cancer screening; she also used the laxative and sought over $10 million in medical compensation.

The product has been traditionally used in preparation for a colonoscopy, a procedure that is considered very common in medical practice and in which cleansing is necessary for a proper view into the large intestine. Most patients undergo the actual colonoscopy procedure in a hospital, but complete at home preparation. Since these have become routine, they have helped screen many patients for cancers and other medical problems before they become problematic. Typically during the procedure, any polyps are removed and tested in a laboratory at the hospital. In the case where a colonoscopy may be too irritating to a patient - such as those who have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis - a sigmoidoscopy is conducted instead. Less invasive, the sigmoidoscopy only enters the colon about two feet, significantly less than with the other.

While the serious condition is most common among those with pre-existing renal failure or other kidney-related diseases, many of the cases cited in the FDA’s warning had no previous medical issues associated with the renal system. Certain groups have always been warned about the risks associated with taking the medication, including those with Crohn’s disease, colitis, eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, or gastrointestinal reflux disease because of the higher likelihood of developing serious diseases. In addition, it has long been known that certain drugs may interact with the drug including certain narcotics, diuretics, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-nausea medications, anti-psychotics, blood pressure medications, and some common migraine drugs.

In addition, with all versions of the drug, includingVisicol and Osmo Prep, side effects  have been well documented. Severe symptoms include rectal bleeding, lack of bowel movement after use, seizures, sores and/or ulcers around the rectum, drowsiness, mood changes, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, uneven heart rate, limited or lacking urination, swelling, weight gain, and shortness of breath; should any of these occur, it is essential to contact a doctor.

However, the signs are characteristic and relatively easy to recognize in comparison to other known symptoms. These are often exhibited as malaise, limited or lacking urination, swelling of the hands and feet, high blood pressure or seizures, all indications of impending renal failure. Without prompt medical attention, severe kidney damage may occur, resulting in dialysis or transplant; in rare cases, untreated, the disease is fatal.

Following the FDA warning regarding Fleet Soda acute phosphate nephropathy, the company producing the popular bowel prep recalled all over-the-counter versions of the drug and added a “black box” warning to the prescription strength Visicol and OsmoPrep in order to more accurately reflect the associated medical risks involved.

If you or a loved one has suffered any serious side effects after use, you should consider consulting with an attorney. Because there have been so many product liability lawsuits, an experienced attorney can help determine if any past, present, or pending lawsuits relate to the symptoms you or your loved one have exhibited. It is also essential that you collect all relevant information and receive medical attention if any issues are still outstanding. Your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment are central to proper legal proceedings, and if your attorney determines you are eligible for a product liability lawsuit, you could possibly receive compensation for medical expenses and damages.