Fleet Class Action Lawsuit

by admin on December 21st, 2009

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with acute phosphate nephropathy after using Fleet Phospho-soda? If so, you are likely seeking more information about this debilitating condition and whether a Fleet class action lawsuit has been filed.

Acute phosphate nephropathy is a serious kidney injury. It’s called “acute” because it can develop suddenly. It is caused when one or both kidneys are unable to filter toxins from the blood efficiently, and Fleet kidney failure can occur.

What Causes Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

Studies have shown that people who use a specific solution in preparation for a colonoscopy have developed acute phosphate nephropathy. Fleet Phospho-Soda has been commonly suggested as an over the counter bowel cleansing solution for patients to take before having a colonoscopy. Patients were instructed to take the oral solution, which produced loose stools and diarrhea. This flushed the colon and made it easier for doctors to see inside the colon during the colonoscopy exam.

When patients ingest Fleet Phospho-Soda, it travels to the kidney to be filtered. However, researchers believe that the kidney is unable pass it from the body through urine, and the phosphates remain in the kidney. This hinders the filtering system, which causes decreased kidney function or kidney failure.

Patients developed acute phosphate nephropathy anywhere from a few hours to several weeks after using the bowel cleansing solution.

Who is Most Likely to Be Affected by Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

Some patients who were affected by this kidney injury had no underlying medical issues, but some did.

Patients with a higher risk were 55 years old or older, had a history of kidney problems or colitis. Some patients who were dehydrated or who were taking medications such as diuretics, medicines to treat blood pressure or anti-inflammatory drugs were also more susceptible.

What are Symptoms of Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

Because the kidneys do so much for the body: cleaning the blood, helping to regulate hormones and blood pressure, when they don’t work, it affects the entire body.

Common symptoms include:

Tiredness
Sleepiness
Lethargy
Decrease in urine
Swelling of legs or feet

How Do You Treat Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

Treatment options will depend on the severity of the kidney injury. If you are diagnosed with acute phosphate nephropathy, your doctor will be your best source for options. Treatment may include short or long term dialysis or kidney transplant.

If you have been affected by acute phosphate nephropathy, you may be entitled to legal action. A Fleet lawsuit attorney at Fields Law Firm can help you determine your legal options. We are currently helping individuals and families bring individual claims against the manufacturer for kidney damage.