A Missouri Nexium lawsuit may be an option for patients who took the medication and suffered from serious kidney injuries, including chronic kidney disease. Millions of people have taken the popular heartburn medication Nexium to relieve symptoms associated with acid reflux and other gastroesophageal complications. Some patients, however, claim that they later developed kidney disease or other serious health events. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation with the help of a Missouri Nexium lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Missouri. 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 Missouri Nexium lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, the burning sensation in the chest described as heartburn is typically caused by stomach acid in the esophagus. The lining of this tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach does not have the protective coating of the stomach walls, so it is not equipped to withstand the acid that plays such an important role within the digestive system. When the symptoms occur at least two times per week, a person may have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms associated with GERD may affect the throat as well as the esophagus, and a person may experience difficulty swallowing. Other common symptoms may include chest pain, asthma, coughing and wheezing.
What is Nexium?
Nexium is a type of proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Available as both a prescription and over-the-counter, PPIs affect the glands that produce stomach acid, limiting how much is produced. The amount of time that a person needs to take one of these medications may vary, and they may be combined with some other prescriptions as well.
Nexium Side Effects
Although PPIs such as Nexium have become popular due to low toxicity, they still have side effects.
Those side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Itchy skin
- Headaches
Additionally, people who take multiple daily doses of PPIs, including Nexium, for a year or longer may have an increased risk of hip, wrist or spine fractures.
PPI Studies
CBS News reports that some researchers believe there may be a connection between long-term use of PPIs, including Nexium, and serious health issues such as kidney problems, bone fractures and pneumonia. After studying the frequency of kidney disease in patients who have taken this type of medication, scientists concluded that those who took the medication twice each day were more likely to have kidney damage than those who took only one dose per day.
The study analyzed data about the use of the drug, and results indicated that a PPI’s effectiveness did not increase with long-term use. The study noted, however, that up to 70 percent of those who were taking the prescription drug did not need it.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, PPIs may also be contributors to osteoporosis, a bone disease that is characterized by abnormally porous structures that render the skeleton weak. The changes in the bone tissue put it at risk for fractures, sometimes after only a minor bump or trauma.
Nexium Lawsuit Claims
Nexium lawsuits have been filed by patients whose kidney disease or failure is allegedly connected to the long-term use of Nexium. Many have needed dialysis after suffering renal damage. Litigation includes a claim filed by a man who underwent a transplant after his kidneys failed. According to his lawsuit, the company is guilty of fraud because it did not provide a warning about the risk of this severe side effect.
How a Missouri 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 Missouri. 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.
