An Iowa Nexium Lawsuit may be an option for patients who suffered complications after taking the heartburn medication. Nexium, along with other medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI), are some of the most widely-prescribed medications used to treat acid reflux disease in the United States. However, PPIs such as Nexium have been linked to serious side effects and risks, including acute interstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for their injuries with the help of an Iowa Nexium lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Iowa. 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?
Nexium is a type of proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs are most commonly used to treat:
- Stomach ulcers
- Symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn
- The presence of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach
- Ulcers that form as a result of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Gastrointestinal ulcers associated with Crohn’s disease
How Does Nexium Work?
The stomach normally produces acid to help aid in digestion, however, some people may experience acid reflux due to a variety of stomach complications. PPIs stop cells in the lining of stomach from producing acid, aiding in the reduction of acid-related symptoms such as ulcers and heartburn.
Nexium Side Effects
Side effects of Nexium include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
Serious side effects that may occur when taking Nexium may include:
- Severe diarrhea caused by an infection in the intestines
- Bone fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, or spine
- Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining
- Low magnesium levels in the body
- Low vitamin B-12 levels in the body
Nexium and Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a condition in which the kidney tubules are inflamed or become swollen. AIN has become an important cause of acute renal failure caused by drug hypersensitivity reactions as a result of the increasing use of antibiotics and other medications that may induce an allergic response in kidney tissues.
According to an article published in The BMJ in 2010, researchers examined 210 kidney biopsies and found six cases of AIN that were strongly associated with the use of PPIs. When patients stopped using the medications, their conditions improved.
Additionally, the New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch released information in 2006 about a case series and literature review that indicated and association between all five commercially available PPIs, including Nexium, and the development of AIN. Although many of those patients experienced some recovered renal function, some retained a degree of renal impairment.
Other Nexium Risks
Other risks have been associated with the Nexium, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Some patients may never see specific symptoms of CKD until kidney function is significantly impaired. If either of these conditions are left untreated, they may result in kidney failure. There are only two treatment options available for patients diagnosed with kidney failure, dialysis or kidney transplant.
Nexium Lawsuit
In May 2016, a Nexium lawsuit was filed in Illinois. According to the lawsuit, AstraZeneca, the makers of Nexium, failed to warn against the negative effects and risks associated with Nexium, including the increased risk of CKD and other kidney injuries.
The lawsuit further claims that, in omitting, concealing, and inadequately providing critical safety information regarding the use of Nexium in order to induce its purchase and use, the manufacturers engaged in and continue to engage in fraudulent, unlawful, and unfair conduct likely to mislead consumers. Likewise, the lawsuit alleges that AstraZeneca knew or should have known about the correlation between the use of Nexium and the significantly increased risk of CKD and acute kidney injuries.
How an Iowa 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Iowa. 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.
