Oral Sodium Phosphate Products May Cause Serious Kidney Injuries

Oral sodium phosphate products are commonly used as bowel cleansers prior to a colonoscopy. However, recently, there has been mounting evidence to indicate that these products may increase your risk of developing serious kidney injuries following your colonoscopy.

On December 11, 2008, the <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm094900.htm>Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</a> released a report stating that oral sodium phosphate products used for bowel cleansing before a colonoscopy may cause a serious kidney condition called acute phosphate nephropathy.

What is Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

Acute phosphate nephropathy is a dangerous kidney condition caused by a build-up of calcium-phosphate crystals in the renal tubes. It can lead to permanent impairment of kidney function and may require dialysis or a kidney transplant. In severe situations, it may lead to renal failure or death.

Symptoms of acute phosphate nephropathy develop within a few weeks of your colonoscopy and include:

• Fluid retention
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures

Who is at Risk of Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

Anyone who takes oral sodium phosphate products as a bowel cleanser prior to a colonoscopy is at risk of developing acute phosphate nephropathy. However, certain groups of people are at increased risk of developing the condition, including those:

• Over age 55
• Suffering from dehydration, kidney disease, acute colitis, or delayed bowel emptying
• Taking medications that affect kidney function

What Oral Sodium Phosphate Products Cause Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

The FDA report indicates that both prescription and over-the-counter oral sodium phosphate products may cause this condition. Prescription products include OsmoPrep and Visicol. The FDA has ordered the manufacturers of these products to place a black box warning on the label, indicating the increased risk of developing acute phosphate nephropathy.

Over-the-counter products include Fleet Phospho-soda Oral Saline Laxative, Fleet Phospho-soda EZ-Prep Bowel Cleansing System, and Fleet Phospho Accu-Prep. These products have been recalled.

Oral Sodium Phosphate Lawsuits

Currently, there are hundreds of oral sodium phosphate lawsuits in litigation across the United States. If you have developed acute phosphate nephropathy from using one of the above-mentioned products as a bowel cleanser prior to a colonoscopy, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages.

It is important to consult an experienced <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.cochranfirm.com/civil/defective-products.html>defective product attorney</a> in your area at once to find out if you have a valid claim. Time is of the essence when filing an oral sodium phosphate lawsuit.