A Texas Nexium lawsuit may be an option for people who have experienced complications after taking the medication to treat problems related to the esophagus and stomach. Despite the popularity of Nexium and other drugs to treat acid reflux disease and ulcers, the medication has been linked to serious side effects and risks, including chronic kidney disease and other kidney injuries. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries with the help of a Texas Nexium lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Texas. 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 used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux disease, and symptoms associated with heartburn and ulcers. In some cases, Nexium may be used to treat other rare conditions of the stomach and esophagus such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Nexium belongs to a group of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs work by focusing on a pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production in the stomach. Some PPIs, including Nexium, offer a nonprescription alternative, usually indicated for the fast relief of symptoms associated with heartburn.
Nexium Kidney Disease Risks
Studies have indicated a relationship between the use of Nexium, as well as other PPIs, and serious injuries affecting the kidneys. Those injuries include acute kidney injury (AKI), acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
According to an article published in 2013, studies have linked the use of PPIs, including Nexium, to AIN as far back as 1992 and that “as the use of PPIs has grown more widespread so have safety concerns.” Researchers concluded that patients with an incident of kidney disease diagnosis were nearly twice as likely to have been prescribed PPIs compared to those without kidney disease.
In addition to acute risks such as AIN and AKI, the use of PPIs such as Nexium has been linked to ongoing conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), a gradual loss of kidney function. CKD may develop within months or years, and symptoms may not begin to show until the latter stages of the disease. In 2016, research published in the JAMA Internal Medicine indicated a 20 to 50 percent increased risk of CKD in patients who took PPIs, including Nexium.
When kidney injuries are left untreated or symptoms go unnoticed, patients can develop renal or kidney failure. Kidney failure is a potentially fatal condition and can develop over time or happen suddenly.
Nexium Side Effects
Common side effects of Nexium include headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, gas, and dry mouth. These side effects are usually mild and many people who take the medication never experience them, however, there are some severe side effects linked to the use of Nexium.
According to information published by the FDA, PPIs such as Nexium have been associated with numerous risks and side effects in addition to common side effects. Those risks include:
- Severe diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection of the intestines
- Symptoms related to low magnesium levels such as weakness, muscle cramps, anxiety, and high blood pressure
- Symptoms associate with vitamin B-12 deficiency, including fatigue, breathlessness, numbness, poor balance, and memory trouble
- Hip, wrist, or spine fractures
Nexium Lawsuit
A Nexium lawsuit filed in May 2016 alleges that the manufacturers, AstraZeneca, knew or should have known about the relationship between the use of Nexium and the significantly increased risk of CKD and acute kidney injuries. Despite this knowledge, the drug maker continued to market and sell Nexium without warning consumers or healthcare providers of the risks associated with Nexium and kidney problems.
How a Texas 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 Texas. 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.
