An Alabama Nexium Lawsuit may be an option for patients who suffered complications after taking the heartburn medication. Nexium, along with other proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are most commonly used to treat symptoms associated with heartburn, acid reflux disease, and ulcers. Despite widespread use, PPIs such as Nexium have been linked to serious risks and side effects, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and acute interstitial nephritis. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file an Alabama Nexium lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Alabama. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Nexium lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Nexium and How Does It Work?
Nexium, or esomeprazole, is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems such as acid reflux disease and ulcers. Nexium belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach makes.
Nexium relieves symptoms associated heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough. PPIs such as Nexium help heal damage to the stomach and esophagus caused by stomach acid, help prevent ulcers, and may help prevent esophageal cancer.
Nexium Side Effects
Common side effects of Nexium include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Rash
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
Other serious side effects may occur, including side effects associated with low magnesium levels (fast or irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, or seizures), severe diarrhea (persistent diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, or abdominal or stomach pain), and vitamin B-12 deficiency (unusual weakness, sore tongue, or numbness or tingling of the hands and feet).
Nexium and Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a kidney condition in which the areas between the kidney tubules become irritated, swollen, or inflamed. There are a number of causes of AIN, however, it is most often caused by an allergic reaction to certain drugs.
According to a 2013 article published in the medical journal BMC Nephrology, previous publications have suggested a link between the use of PPIs such as Nexium and AIN. According to the article, a number of biopsy-confirmed case reports and retrospective descriptive reports were published suggesting a possible association between PPI use and AIN, including research published in 2006 citing three cases of esomeprazole-associated AIN.
Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects the way the kidneys filter the blood in the body. Damage caused by CKD can result in the build-up of wastes in the body and cause other problems such as kidney failure. The only treatment options available for CKD are dialysis and kidney transplant.
Results of a study conducted between 1996 and 2011 indicate that the use of PPIs such as Nexium was independently associated with a 20 to 50 percent higher risk of chronic kidney disease. Additionally, research examining data from the Department of Veteran Affairs database compared PPIs with other heartburn medications and concluded that those who used Nexium (as well as other PPIs) could be 28% more likely to develop kidney disease.
Nexium Lawsuit
A Nexium lawsuit filed in May 2016 claims that the manufacturers of Nexium, AstraZeneca, received numerous case reports of kidney injuries in patients who took Nexium as early as 2004. The lawsuit alleges that AstraZeneca took no action to inform the plaintiff of plaintiff’s physician of the known risk and continued to represent that Nexium did not pose any risks of kidney injuries.
The lawsuit further alleges that, as a direct result of the manufacturer’s misconduct, the plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer emotional and mental distress and anxiety from the fear of knowing there is a likelihood of serious adverse side effects and complications of Nexiums such as potentially life-threatening kidney damage.
How an Alabama Nexium Lawsuit Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by bad drugs may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Alabama.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
