A Minnesota Nexium lawsuit may be an option for patients who suffered complications due to the acid reflux medication. Proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, however, the popular acid reflux drug has been linked to serious kidney problems, including acute interstitial nephritis. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a Minnesota Nexium lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota. 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 Minnesota Nexium lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Nexium and How Does It Work?
Commonly known as the “purple pill,” Nexium is most often used to treat symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux disease, and acid-related damage to the esophagus. Nexium may also be used for up to six months to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in people who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to treat patients with a stomach infection caused by Helicobacter pylori, and for the long-term treatment of conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Nexium belongs to a group of prescription medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Other PPIs include Prilosec, Prevacid, AcipHex, Protonix, and Dexilant.
Nexium Side Effects
Common side effects related to the use of Nexium include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
Additional serious side effects of Nexium may include:
- Increased risk of getting severe diarrhea caused by an infection of the intestines
- Increased risk of hip, wrist, and spine bone fractures in people who use PPI for long periods of time
- Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining
- Symptoms of low magnesium levels in the body
Nexium Kidney Disease Risks
Along with the most common side effects of Nexium, the drug has been allegedly associated other serious injuries, including complications of the kidneys. According to several studies, patients have experienced a number of problems such as acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and renal failure.
- Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN) is a swelling of the kidneys involving the tissue fluid surrounding the kidney tubules. AIN can be caused by an infection or reaction to certain medications. According to a study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, PPI-induced AIN is likely to become more common because of the increased use of PPIs such as Nexium.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is the sudden or quick decline in renal function and ability to filter waste from the blood. According to an article published in BMC Nephrology, case reports demonstrate that PPIs such as Nexium may be linked to AKI and that patients with renal disease diagnosis were twice as likely to have used a prescription for a PPI.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term, steady condition that affects the way the kidneys filter wastes and electrolytes from the blood and the body. Symptoms of CKD may not appear until the later stages of the disease, and if CKD is not treated properly, the condition may progress to potentially fatal kidney failure.
- Renal or Kidney Failure is the last stage of kidney disease. When the kidneys fail, they are unable to function properly without the aid of dialysis or kidney transplant.
Nexium Lawsuit Claims
A Nexium lawsuit has been filed against drug maker AstraZeneca claiming that the manufacturer knew of numerous case reports of kidney injuries in patients that had taken Nexium as early as 2004. Despite this knowledge, the drug maker failed to inform the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s physicians of such risks associated with the medication. As a result, the plaintiff claims to have experienced permanent and disabling injuries as well as mental distress and anxiety.
How a Minnesota 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 Nexium or other PPIs 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 Minnesota. 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.
