A New York Nexium lawsuit may be an option for patients who suffered complications after using the medication to treat acid reflux disease or heartburn. Millions of Americans use prescription medications such as Nexium to treat acid reflux disease and ulcers, however, Nexium has been linked to severe risks, including an increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries with the help of a New York Nexium lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for New York. 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 a widely prescribed medication used to treat gastric-related conditions, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Symptoms related to heartburn
- Inflammation or erosion of the esophagus
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition in which tumors cause the production of excessive stomach acid
Nexium belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs inhibit the actions of proton pumps, enzymes found in cells in the stomach lining responsible for producing stomach acid.
Nexium Side Effects
People who take Nexium may experience the following common side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
Serious allergic reactions may occur when taking Nexium. Patients are advised to contact their doctors if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Face swelling
- Throat tightness
- Difficulty breathing
Nexium and Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a kidney condition in which the spaces between the kidney tubules become irritated, swollen, or inflamed. There are a number of causes of AIN, however, it is most often caused by an allergic reaction to certain drugs.
According to a 2013 article published in the medical journal BMC Nephrology, previous articles have suggested a correlation between the use of PPIs, including Nexium, and AIN. According to the article, a number of biopsy-confirmed case reports and retrospective descriptive reports were published suggesting a possible association between PPI use and AIN, including research published in 2006 citing three cases of esomeprazole-associated AIN.
Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects the way the kidneys filter the blood in the body. Damage caused by CKD can result in the build-up of wastes in the body and cause other problems such as kidney failure. If CKD is not treated properly, it can lead to other serious conditions 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. Additionally, 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
In addition to the increased risks of complications related to the kidneys, Nexium may cause other serious side effects, including:
- Hip, wrist, or spine fractures in people who take multiple daily doses of PPIs for a long period of time
- Severe diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection (Clostridium difficile) in the intestines
- Increased risk of chronic atrophic gastritis, a persistent inflammation of the stomach lining
- Low magnesium levels in the body
- Low levels of vitamin B-12
Nexium Lawsuit
An Illinois Nexium lawsuit filed in May 2016 alleges that, even if used as directed, the makers of Nexium, AstraZeneca, failed to adequately warn against severe risks and side effects associated with the medication, including an increased risk in CKD and other conditions affecting the kidneys.
How a New York 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 York. 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.
