A California Nexium Lawsuit may be an option for patients who suffered complications after taking the heartburn medication. Millions of Americans use proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as Nexium to treat acid reflux disease and reduce hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach. Although PPIs are some of the most prescribed medications in the United States, their use has been linked to severe adverse risks and side effects, including serious conditions such as chronic kidney disease and acute interstitial nephritis. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries with the help of a California Nexium lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. 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 is medication used to reduce the production of stomach acid and treat problems associated with acid reflux disease. Nexium, also known as esomeprazole, belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs work by reducing the stomach acid made by glands in the stomach lining. Nexium, along with most other PPIs, also treat peptic or stomach ulcers and damage to the esophagus caused by acid reflux disease.
Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow, progressive loss of kidney function over a period of several years. Eventually, CKD can lead to kidney failure if not treated properly.
A study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that PPI use is associated with a higher risk of CKD. Results of the study indicated as much as 50 percent higher risk linked to the use of PPIs such as Nexium and CKD.
Nexium Side Effects
Common side effects of Nexium include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas
- Decreased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Other Nexium Risks
In addition to common side effects associated with Nexium, there are a number of severe risks allegedly linked to the use of Nexium, including:
- Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN): AIN is a pattern of renal injury usually associated with an abrupt deterioration of renal function characterized by the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the kidneys.
- Renal Failure: Renal or kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose the ability to remove wastes and balance fluids, potentially causing blood pressure to rise and excess fluid to build in the body.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): AKI is a sudden loss of kidney function that can develop within seven days. AKI can lead to other complications such as metabolic acidosis, high potassium levels, uremia, changes in body fluid balance, and even death.
- Bone Fracture: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), prolonged use of PPIs has been associated with an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine.
- Diarrhea: According to the FDA, Nexium may increase the risk of getting severe diarrhea caused by an infection of the intestines.
Other serious risks associates with the use of Nexium include chronic atrophic gastritis (long-lasting inflammation of the stomach lining), vitamin B-12 deficiency, and low magnesium levels.
Nexium Lawsuit
According to a Nexium lawsuit filed in May 2016, the manufacturers of the medication, AstraZeneca, allegedly failed to adequately warn against the negative effects and risks associated with Nexium, including numerous kidney injuries. The lawsuit further alleges that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the correlation between the use of Nexium and the increased risk of CKD and AKI.
The Nexium lawsuit claims that, as a result of the defective condition of Nexium and misconduct on behalf of the manufacturer, the plaintiff suffered and will continue to suffer emotional and mental distress from the fear of knowing that there is an increased likelihood of severe risks such as CKD and AKI.
How a California 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 California.
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.
