A Pennsylvania Nexium lawsuit may be an option for people who suffered complications after taking the prescription medication. Nexium, most commonly prescribed for the treatment of acid reflux disease and various other conditions associated with the stomach and esophagus, has been linked to severe side effects and complications, including dangerous diseases affecting the kidneys. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a Pennsylvania Nexium lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries.
nebari/iStock/ThinkstockFor more information, contact Attorney Group for Pennsylvania. 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?
Esomeprazole, regularly known by its brand name Nexium, is a form of prescription medication used to treat symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid-related damage to the esophagus, ulcers in some people who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stomach infection caused by H. pylori bacteria, and conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Like other proton pump inhibitors (PPI), Nexium works by blocking the amount of acid produced in the lining of the stomach. PPIs neutralize the active enzymes in some stomach cells, weakening the acid made in the stomach.
Nexium Side Effects
Common side effects of Nexium may include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Gas
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
Nexium may cause some severe allergic reactions to occur, including:
- Rash
- Swelling of the face
- Throat tightness
- Difficulty breathing
Nexium Risks
Like many medications, common side effects and allergic reactions may be expected when taking Nexium to treat heartburn and acid reflux, however, there have been reports of other serious complications linked to the use of the drug, including:
- Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN): AIN is a type of kidney injury that impacts the areas between the kidney tubules, sometimes leading to kidney failure if left untreated. According to a study published in 2013, researchers concluded that renal biopsy showed signs of AIN in one patient who used esomeprazole (Nexium).
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): CKD is characterized by the progressive loss of kidney function. CKD can lead to other complications, including cardiovascular disease, anemia, renal osteodystrophy, or an inflammation of the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. Research published in 2016 indicated that the use of PPIs such as Nexium was associated with up to 50 percent higher risk of kidney disease.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): AKI is a condition in which the kidneys suddenly cannot filter waste from the blood. AKI develops rapidly over the course of hours or days and symptoms may be subtle or may not appear at all.
- Renal Failure: If any of these conditions are not treated properly, they can lead to renal or kidney failure, a medical condition in which the kidneys fail to adequately filter waste products from the blood, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.
Previous studies have implicated the use of Nexium and other serious risks and side effects as well. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nexium has been associated with the increased risk of the following conditions:
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Bone fractures, specifically fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine
- Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, also known as chronic atrophic gastritis
- Low levels of magnesium in the body
- Nutrient deficiency, particularly vitamin B-12
Nexium Lawsuit
An Illinois Nexium lawsuit alleges that, despite clear knowledge that Nexium potentially causes a significantly increased risk of CKD and AKI, the manufacturers, AstraZeneca, continued to market and sell Nexium without warning consumers or healthcare providers of the significant risks.
The lawsuit further alleges that the drug manufacturers engaged in and continue to engage in fraudulent, unfair, and unlawful conduct likely to mislead consumers and the public.
How a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. 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.
