Oral sodium phosphate (OSP) is a commonly used bowel cleansing product to prepare patients for colonoscopies and so-called "virtual colonoscopies," computed tomographic colonoscopies. But the use of this drug puts many people, especially those who need it most, at risk for a dangerous, even deadly, type of acute kidney failure in addition to other complications.

 

Acute Kidney Injury

 

The FDA first warned patients about the possibility of acute kidney injury following OSP use in 2006. The specific type of injury is known as acute phosphate nephropathy, a side effect of the phosphate component of OSP. Following administration of OSP, phosphate levels in the blood peak and if the concentration of phosphate in the blood is too high, the phosphate will precipitate out in the form of calcium phosphate crystals. These crystals can block blood vessels and other important structures in the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function or kidney failure that is in many cases permanent.

 

The FDA warning was upgraded to "black box" status on December 11, 2008. In addition, recent research suggests that every use of oral sodium phosphate may result in chronic kidney damage. A recent study showed that elderly patients who were given OSP for colonoscopy preparation saw on average a 10 % decrease in kidney function. The authors of the study say OSP's "routine use for elective and screening procedures should be discouraged in the elderly population."

 

Symptoms of Acute Phosphate Nephropathy

 

Acute phosphate nephropathy often has a rapid onset. You may be unable to identify the symptoms before they lead to serious injury, but you should watch for:

• Generalized feelings of illness after OSP use
• Drowsiness or sluggishness
• Decreased urine
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs

 

Since many cases of acute phosphate nephropathy do not manifest symptoms, the most reliable way to watch for the disease is for your doctor to monitor your kidney function before and after oral sodium phosphate use, especially if you are at an elevated risk.

 

Who Is at Risk for Acute Phosphate Nephropathy?

 

Although the possibility for acute phosphate nephropathy exists in all people using oral sodium phosphate for bowel cleansing, those considered to be at an increased risk include individuals:

• With contracted blood vessels due to congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, or other causes
• With pre-existing kidney disease
• Of advanced age
• Taking medications that affect the kidneys, including diuretics, some heart medications (ACE inhibitors and ARB's), even nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (Aleve).

 

If you have any of these risk factors, your doctor should consider other bowel cleansing products or take special care to ensure sufficient hydration. Failure to pursue proper cautions may constitute medical negligence.

 

Negligent Use of OSP

 

With the FDA's new recommendations, and the ongoing research into the high level of risk for this bowel cleansing product, it doesn't make sense for doctors to continue using this product for routine screenings, especially when numerous alternatives exist that are just as effective but without the high level of risk of OSP. If you were given oral sodium phosphate prior to a colonoscopy, you should be screened to see if you suffered kidney damage, and you should consider bringing a lawsuit against your doctor and other healthcare providers.

 

Compensation for Your OSP Injuries

 

If you suffered acute or even chronic damage to your kidneys as a result of oral sodium phosphate administration, you may be facing a future of periodic or constant dialysis treatments. These treatments are expensive and inconvenient and kidney damage increases your risk of dangerous side effects from other medicines and treatments (such as Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents). You deserve compensation for your OSP injury and your risk of future injury.

 

The pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton stand up for the rights of those injured by defective drugs and medical devices in all 50 states. We have proven expertise in drug injury lawsuits, with our nationwide leadership in this area recognized by our peers and federal judges. If you are seeking compensation for your OSP injuries, talk to lawyers who are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation possible in your case. Schedule a free, no-obligation OSP injury consultation today.