A Nexium attorney notes that the acid reflux medication has been linked to serious, sometimes life-threatening risks and side effects, including an increased risk in complications associated with the kidneys. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a Nexium lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. 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 attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Nexium and How Does It Work?
Nexium, also called esomeprazole, is used to treat certain problems associated with the stomach and esophagus, including acid reflux and ulcers. The medication, which may be prescribed or found over-the-counter, is designed to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough.
Nexium belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs work by decreasing the amount of stomach acid your body makes, helping to heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, preventing ulcers, and possibly preventing the likelihood of esophageal cancer.
Nexium Side Effects
Like most prescription medications, Nexium may cause certain side effects even when used as prescribed to treat symptoms associated with acid reflux disease.
Severe side effects may include:
- Symptoms associated with a low magnesium level such as irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, and seizures
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, a severe intestinal condition characterized by persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain or cramping, fever, and blood and/or mucus in the stool
- Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency, including unusual weakness, sore tongue, or numbness or tingling of the hands and feet
Serious allergic reactions are rare but may occur when using Nexium. Patients are advised to seek medical attention if they experience an allergic reaction such as rash; itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; severe dizziness; trouble breathing; or kidney problems.
Nexium and Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a condition of the kidneys characterized by swelling in between the kidneys tubules, potentially leading to other complications including kidney failure.
In 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch released information regarding a case series and literature review indicating that all five commercially available PPIs, including Nexium, have been linked to the development of AIN. While most patients in the studies experienced some renal function recovery, some retained a degree of renal impairment.
According to prescribing information issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AIN has been observed in patients who have taken PPIs, including Nexium.
Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the slow loss of kidney function over time, often worsening over a period of months or years. People who have CKD may not notice any symptoms of the condition until the kidneys have stopped working. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two main causes of the disease.
According to a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers concluded that the use of PPIs such as Nexium is linked to a higher risk of incident CKD. The published study notes that PPIs may increase the risk of developing CKD by as much as 50 percent.
Other Nexium Risks
According to the National Kidney Foundation, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome that results in a sudden decrease in kidney function or kidney damage within a few hours or few days. In 2013, research published in the peer-reviewed medical journal BMC Nephrology indicated that case reports have suggested that PPIs such as Nexium may be linked to AKI, which could lead to other complications including kidney failure.
Conditions such as AIN, CKD, and AKI can potentially lead to kidney failure if left untreated. Symptoms associated with kidney failure include weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, and confusion. If the kidneys fail completely, patients may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
How a Nexium Attorney 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 the Nexium 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. 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.
