An Indiana Nexium lawsuit may be an option for patients who suffered from serious kidney injuries, including chronic kidney disease, after taking the medication to treat acid reflux. Prescribed to millions around the world, Nexium is a popular medication that is used to combat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, however, the drug has been linked to a variety of dangerous, and sometimes deadly, side effects in some patients. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation with the help of an Indiana Nexium lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. 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?
According to the makers of Nexium, the unpleasant sensation known as acid reflux occurs when the esophageal valve fails to close entirely. This is a common disorder, and it causes the contents and acid held inside the stomach to accumulate and push itself upwards through the esophagus, causing people to feel what is commonly known as “heartburn.” Acid reflux affects millions of Americans each year, and the development of the condition can be linked to a variety of lifestyle and dietary choices. Common heartburn risk factors can include the following.
- Stress
- Tight Clothing
- Obesity
- Over-indulgence
- Smoking
- A diet of fatty, acidic, and fried foods
For some individuals, adjusting these factors can eliminate acid reflux, but for others, prescription drugs may be needed.
How Does Nexium Work?
Nexium has gained immense popularity due to its ability to decrease the severity and frequency of heartburn, and combat acid reflux for up to 24 hours at a time. It was originally produced by AstraZeneca, and it is mostly available by prescription. Nexium belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. These drugs work by lowering the productivity of acid-producing stomach cells, making them a highly effective treatment for acid reflux. For patients suffering from acid erosion of the esophagus, Nexium is capable of healing the damage.
PPIs and Kidney Problems
According to a study cited by CNN, patients who take other types of heartburn medications are far less likely to develop kidney problems than patients who take PPIs. PPIs have gained popularly due to the fact that they work quickly and efficiently, and it is estimated that at the current moment, PPIs have been prescribed to over 15 million Americans. The findings of the study led the authors to suggest that a patient should only take a drug like Nexium for a brief period of time if he or she receives a prescription.
Using data compiled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the researchers found that patients who did not take PPIs were 28 percent less likely to develop chronic kidney disease, and 96 percent less likely to experience kidney failure than PPI patients. This was a significant finding, but it was not the only finding regarding health problems and PPI drugs like Nexium. Kidney failure resulting from the development of a condition called interstitial nephritis, has also been linked to the use of PPIs.
Other Health Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also addressed several concerns about the use of PPIs. The agency has found that in addition to kidney problems, PPIs may also lead to other severe complications, including:
- Low magnesium levels
- Easily sustained fractures to the wrist, hip, and spine
- Diarrhea
The FDA notes that the risk of developing these issues is associated with both brand name and generic PPIs.
Nexium lawsuit Claims
In early 2012, 39 plaintiffs filed a case against the drug’s manufacturer in Central California, alleging that the company failed to warn them about the risks associated with Nexium. They claimed that the popular PPI caused them to develop bone problems such as osteoporosis and fractures. In December of the same year, over 500 people filed another lawsuit against AstraZeneca in Southern California for the same reasons. In Illinois, a man has also filed a claim against the company, alleging that Nexium caused him to develop chronic kidney disease, which later on caused kidney failure.
How an Indiana 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.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
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.
