An Oregon Nexium lawsuit may be an option for patients who developed serious injuries to their kidneys after taking the drug to treat complications related to excessive stomach acid production. One of the top-selling drugs on the market, Nexium may be able to reduce symptoms associated with too much stomach acid, however, the medication has been allegedly linked to serious risks, including chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file an Oregon Nexium lawsuit and pursue compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oregon. 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 most often prescribed to treat the effects of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as other complications associated with the production of too much stomach acid. Nexium is not designed to treat symptoms immediately, however, it can help ease symptoms and minimize long-term suffering. Nexium belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Nexium, along with other PPIs, lowers stomach acid levels by preventing the enzymes that promote acid production from working.
Nexium is used to treat a number of conditions related to excess stomach acid production, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach acid or bile moves back up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation or pain to develop. People who experience acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week may have GERD.
- Esophagitis: Esophagitis is an inflammation that damages the esophagus, typically caused by backed-up stomach acid in the esophagus, infection, allergies and some medications. People who have esophagitis may experience painful, difficult swallowing and chest pain while eating.
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Zollinger–Ellison syndrome is a condition in which a tumor or tissue enlargement of cells in the pancreas leads to overproduction of gastric acid, often resulting in the frequent development of peptic ulcers
Nexium may also be prescribed to treat increased stomach acid from systemic mastocytosis, ulcers caused by bacteria in the stomach known as H. pylori, and ulcers caused by certain medications, such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen.
Nexium and Kidney Injury Risks
A Nexium lawsuit filed in July 2016 alleges that the makers of Nexium, AstraZeneca, received numerous case reports of kidney injuries in patients that had taken Nexium as early as 2004. The complaint further states that since the introduction of PPIs in 1990, several observational studies have linked the use of PPIs and serious complications, including acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) and acute kidney injury (AKI).
Likewise, a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine shows that there may be a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with the use of PPIs such as Nexium. CKD is characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function, and as the condition progresses, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in the body.
If conditions such as AIN, AKI, and CKD are left untreated, serious problems may result. In some cases, patients may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Other Nexium Side Effects and Risks
In addition to the risk of kidney injury, there are a number of other side effects and risks associated with the use of Nexium. Side effects of the drug include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Constipation
- Headache
- Drowsiness
Additionally, an article in the journal Medicine reported the first case of rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful proteins into the blood) with single-dose intravenous administration of esomeprazole, also known as Nexium.
How an Oregon 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 the Attorney Group for Oregon. 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.
