A New Jersey Nexium lawsuit could be an option for patients who suffered complications after using the medication to treat acid reflux disease or heartburn. Although millions of people use Nexium to relieve symptoms related to acid reflux disease and heartburn, the medication has been linked to an increased risk of certain kidney disorders, including acute interstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a New Jersey Nexium lawsuit and pursue compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for New Jersey. 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 and How Does It Work?
Nexium is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux disease, and other disorders characterized by excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Nexium may also be used to promote the healing of erosive esophagitis, damage to the esophagus as a result of too much stomach acid.
Nexium belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs decrease the amount of acid made in the stomach by obstructing the actions of proton pumps, enzymes in the lining of the stomach.
Nexium Side Effects
People who take Nexium may experience the following common side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
Nexium and Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a condition in which the tissue fluid surrounding the kidney tubules becomes inflamed and swollen. There are a number of causes of AIN; most commonly AIN is caused by an allergic reaction to certain drugs.
In an article published in the medical journal BMC Nephrology in 2013, researchers noted that previous medical literature has suggested a correlation between the use of PPIs such as Nexium and AIN. According to the article, a number of biopsy-confirmed case reports and retrospective descriptive reports have been published suggesting a possible association between PPI use and AIN, including research as far back as 1992.
Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease
In addition to acute kidney injuries, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been linked to the use of PPIs, including Nexium. CKD is a condition that affects the way the kidneys filter wastes in the blood. Damage caused by CKD can result in the build-up of excess wastes in the body and could potentially lead to other problems such as kidney failure.
Results of a study conducted between 1996 and 2011 show that the use of PPIs such as Nexium was independently associated with a 20 to 50 percent higher risk of chronic kidney disease. Likewise, research examining data from the Department of Veteran Affairs database compared PPIs with other heartburn medications and concluded that those who used Nexium (as well as other PPIs) could be 28% more likely to develop kidney disease.
Other Nexium Risks
According to warnings and prescription information released by the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nexium poses other serious side effects in addition to increased risk of kidney injury. Those risks include:
- Chronic atrophic gastritis, or persistent inflammation of the stomach lining
- Symptoms related to low magnesium levels in the body
- Severe allergic reactions such as rash, face swelling, throat tightness, and difficulty breathing
- Severe diarrhea due to a bacterial infection of the intestines
- Increased risk of hip, wrist, or spine fractures
Nexium Lawsuit
A Nexium lawsuit filed in May 2016 alleges that the manufacturers of the medication, AstraZeneca, failed to adequately warn against the negative effects and risks associated with Nexium, including numerous kidney injuries. As a result, the plaintiff claims to have suffered and will continue to suffer emotional and mental distress from the fear of knowing that there is an increased likelihood of severe risks such as CKD.
How a New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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.
