Fleet Phospho Soda (Oral Sodium Phosphate) Linked to Severe Kidney Disease
Fleet Phospho Soda is a brand of over-the-counter bowel cleanser that is commonly used in high doses as a laxative to treat constipation or to prepare for colonoscopy and other surgeries. Use of the product as a laxative has been shown to cause acute phosphate nephropathy, a rare but severe form of kidney disease. A build up of calcium-phosphate crystals in the kidneys caused by taking the product can result in permanent renal impairment.
The makers of Fleet Phospho Soda have for years promoted using the bowel cleansing product in double-doses as a laxative without a prescription of doctor supervision. However, the high doses can cause permanent kidney damage, particularly in the elderly, young children, and people with kidney failure. Fleet Phospho-soda and Fleet Phospho-soda EZ-Prep Bowel were recalled in December 2008 due to concerns about the link to acute phosphate nephropathy.
If you or a loved one has taken Fleet Phospho Soda products in high doses and developed the form of kidney damage called acute phosphate nephropathy, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Mark & Associates, P.C. our aggressive, experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping people who are injured by Fleet Phospho Soda and other brands of oral sodium phosphate bowel cleansing products receive the financial compensation they deserve. To schedule a free, confidential legal consultation, contact us today by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or completing the case inquiry form on this page.
FDA Issues Warning, Fleet Phospho Soda Recalled
In December 2008, Fleet Phospho Soda was recalled after the Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning about the risks of developing acute phosphate nephropathy from high-dose use of over-the-counter oral sodium phosphate bowel cleansing products.
The FDA advised users not to take double doses of bowel cleansing drugs as laxatives if they are:
- Over age 55 or under age 18
- Suffering from dehydration, heart failure, kidney disease, acute colitis, or delayed bowel emptying
- Taking medicines that affect kidney function, including diuretics, certain arthritis medications, and medications which lower blood pressure
- Diagnosed with heart or kidney failure
- Taking other laxative products containing sodium phosphate
Other Common Side Effects
In addition to causing acute phosphate nephropathy, high doses of Fleet Phospho Soda have been shown to cause the following side effects:
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Less frequent urination
- Difficultly drinking liquids
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Nausea
- Headache
Free Legal Consultation
If you or a loved one has taken Fleet Phospho Soda or another over-the-counter brand of oral sodium phosphate product and developed the form of kidney disease called acute phosphate nephropathy, you may have important legal rights. You and your family may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the maker of the bowel cleaning solutions or another responsible party. At Mark & Associates, P.C., our experienced personal injury attorneys will evaluate your situation and advise you of all your legal rights. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation review of your possible Fleet Phospho Soda and kidney damage case by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or completing the form on this page.