An Oklahoma Nexium lawsuit may be an option for people who suffered complications after using the drug to treat acid reflux disease. For many people who suffer from symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and other complications related to excessive stomach acid, Nexium may be prescribed to help relieve their condition. Despite widespread use, Nexium has been linked to serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries related to the kidneys. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file an Oklahoma Nexium lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Oklahoma. 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?
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2001, Nexium is used for the relief of heartburn, additional symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the healing of erosive esophagitis, a potentially serious condition related to GERD.
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which suppresses gastric acid secretion by inhibiting specific cells in the stomach lining. By acting on the proton pump, a membrane responsible for producing stomach acid, Nexium blocks the final step in acid production and reduces gastric acidity.
Nexium and Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a relatively rare form of acute kidney injury (AKI). Several studies have pointed to an association between the use of PPIs such as Nexium and an increased risk of AIN, including one study involving a group of older adults and another article suggesting a correlation between AIN and widespread usage of PPIs.
Symptoms of AIN include blood in the urine, fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, swelling, weight gain, and increased or decreased urine output. Treatment options vary, however, if AIN is not properly treated, AIN may lead to more serious conditions such as kidney failure.
Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow, progressive loss of kidney function over a period of several years. A study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that PPI use is associated with a higher risk of CKD. Results of the study indicated as much as 50 percent higher risk linked to the use of PPIs such as Nexium and CKD.
Many people who have CKD may not realize they have it because symptoms can be subtle and may not appear for months or even years. Common symptoms of CKD include changes in urination, swelling, fatigue, skin rash or itching, shortness of breath, dizziness or trouble concentrating, and nausea.
Other Nexium Risks
According to information published by the FDA, PPIs such as Nexium have been associated with numerous risks and side effects in addition to potential kidney injuries. Those risks include Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea; low magnesium levels; vitamin B-12 deficiency; and possible increased risk of hip, wrist, or spine fractures.
Nexium Side Effects
In addition to severe risks associated with Nexium, patients may experience some common side effects when taking Nexium to treat GERD or other conditions related to acid reflux disease, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Nexium Lawsuit
A Nexium lawsuit filed in 2016 claims that the makers of Nexium, AstraZeneca, have had notice of serious adverse health conclusions, including numerous case reports of kidney injuries, and did nothing to inform the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s physicians of the known risks.
Despite knowledge of case reports, clinical studies, and post-market surveillance concerning the excessive risks of kidney injuries related to the use of Nexium, the drug manufacturer failed to adequately notify against the risks related to Nexium, engaging in unfair, unlawful, and fraudulent conduct likely to mislead consumers.
How an Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma. 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.
