A North Carolina Nexium lawsuit may be an option for people who suffered complications after using the drug to treat acid reflux disease. Nexium, also known as esomeprazole, may be prescribed to help treat symptoms associated with acid reflux disease and ulcers. Although the drug is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, it has been linked to serious complications, including those affecting the kidneys. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a North Carolina Nexium lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for North Carolina. 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?
When people experience certain conditions affecting the stomach and esophagus due to excessive production of stomach acid, Nexium may be prescribed. Nexium is most commonly used to treat symptoms related to indigestion, acid reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Nexium belongs to a group of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and works by stopping the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. PPIs are some of the most popularly prescribed medications in the United States, exceeding sales of $5.2 billion in 2008.
Nexium Side Effects
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the most common side effects of Nexium include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Gas
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
Nexium and Kidney Disease Risks
Along with common side effects caused by Nexium, the drug has been linked to serious and dangerous conditions affecting the kidneys. For patients who use Nexium to treat acid reflux disease and other complications associated with heartburn, Nexium may pose a potential risk of kidney complications and diseases.
According to FDA drug labeling updated in 2014, a condition known as acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) has been observed in patients taking PPIs, including Nexium. AIN occurs when the spaces between the kidney tubules become inflamed and swollen.
According to a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, the use of PPIs is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). According to the study, people who use PPIs have a 20 to 50 percent higher risk of CKD compared with people who did not use the drug. Although the study did not confirm direct causation, researchers found an association between dosage increases and an increased risk of CKD.
Other kidney risks such as acute kidney injury (AKI) have been linked to the use of PPIs such as Nexium as well. An article published in 2013 examined case reports that suggest a link between AKI and PPIs. Results of the study indicated that patients with kidney disease diagnosis were twice as likely to have had a previous prescription for a PPI, including Nexium.
Other Nexium Risks
The use of Nexium also poses other potential risks and side effects. According to the medication’s website, Nexium may help acid-related problems, but patients may still have severe problems, including:
- Severe diarrhea caused by an infection (Clostridium difficile) in the intestines
- Increased risk of bone fractures, specifically fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine
- Increased risk of chronic inflammation of the stomach lining
- Low magnesium levels, usually occurring a year after treatment
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency, usually occurring after three years of treatment
Nexium Lawsuit
A Nexium lawsuit filed in May 2016 alleges that, despite several published studies linking the drug to serious kidney complications, the manufacturers of the medication, AstraZeneca, failed to warn the plaintiff or their physician of those known risks. Likewise, the lawsuit claims that the drug manufacturers engaged in and continue to engage in fraudulent, unfair, and unlawful conduct likely to mislead the public.
How a North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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.
