Fleet Phospho-Soda

Fleet Phospho-soda is an oral sodium phosphate laxative routinely used for preparation before procedures such as colonoscopy. This is a strong, purging laxative. Some people with certain conditions have developed renal failure as a result of using Fleet Phospho-soda. In December 2008, the FDA required that oral sodium phosphate bowel cleaning medications should only be available by prescription. C.B. Fleet responded by voluntarily recalling the product from over-the-counter sales

The Effects of Fleet Phospho-soda

Fleet Phospho-soda and other forms of oral sodium phosphates have been documented to cause acute phosphate nephropathy (a form of acute renal failure) in some patients. These cases included people who had used Fleet Phospho-soda or Fleet ACCU-PREP and one person who had used a tablet form of oral sodium phosphate (Visicol).

Fleet Phospho-soda and other oral sodium phosphates cause dehydration and other changes in the body which can increase the load on the kidneys and cause renal failure. Renal failure can result in death if not caught in time and treated. Some cases of acute phosphate nephropathy do not resolve and the patient must remain on dialysis for the rest of his or her life.

People most at Risk for Renal Failure from Oral Sodium Phosphates

Older people and people with kidney disease or lessened intravascular volume are more likely to suffer problems when taking Fleet Phospho-soda. Decreased intravascular volume may be caused by congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome. Certain medications which affect renal function can also increase the risk.

Problematic medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors (used for high blood pressure and other conditions), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBS). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also increase the risk of taking oral sodium phosphates. NSAIDs include common over the counter drugs—aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), as well as several strong prescription pain killers.

If you or someone you loved has suffered renal failure from using Fleet Phospho-soda or another oral sodium phosphate, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your suffering and medical expenses. A product liability attorney can help you understand your legal rights and receive just compensation. Do not delay. Contact Newsome today. Fill out our convenient case evaluation form located at the right of the screen and one of our experienced product liability attorneys will advise you on your rights and help you get just compensation.

Treatment for Acute Phosphate Nephropathy

Acute phosphate nephropathy is generally treated by giving the patient intravenous fluids (IV) to cure dehydration and by dialysis. If the condition does not resolve the patient may have to remain on dialysis.

Doctors should use caution before recommending an oral sodium phosphate for an older person (over 57) or for a person with kidney disease, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis. The person’s medications should also be taken into account.

When an oral sodium phosphate must be used, the health of person at high risk for renal failure can be protected by placing them in the hospital while they take the medication. Hospitalization allows doctors to monitor the patient’s condition and to prevent dehydration by giving the patient intravenous fluids.

If you or someone you loved has suffered renal failure from using Fleet Phospho-soda or another oral sodium phosphate, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your suffering and medical expenses. A product liability attorney can help you understand your legal rights and receive just compensation. Do not delay. Contact Newsome today. Fill out our convenient case evaluation form located at the right of the screen and one of our experienced product liability attorneys will advise you on your rights and help you get just compensation.