Safety Alerts: Nexium
If taking Nexium has caused injury to you or a family member, consider reaching out to a dedicated Nexium lawyer who could review your case, assess whether your symptoms and conditions are related to Nexium use, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more about Nexium and its side effects, as well as the ways a skilled Toledo dangerous drugs attorney could make a difference in your life.
What is Nexium?
Nexium is a medication known as a proton pump inhibitor which is used to treat acid reflux disease or heartburn. In addition to relieving the symptoms of heartburn, Nexium helps to heal damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid, as well as works to prevent ulcers.
The Food and Drug Administration first approved Nexium for use in 2001. Since its introduction to the market, it has become one of the most widely prescribed medications for heartburn.
Beginning in 2014, Nexium became available as an over-the-counter pill.
However, some reports and studies suggest that long-term use of Nexium and other similar medications can lead to an increase in kidney disease as high as 20 to 50%.
In light of this, many consumers have filed lawsuits against Nexium’s manufacturers on the basis that the drug is defective and unsafe to be on the market.
How Nexium and Proton Pump Inhibitors Work
The stomach is filled with corrosive acid that is essential in breaking down food for digestion. While the stomach is equipped to handle this acid, other parts of the body—notably the esophagus—are not designed to tolerate it.
When there is an excess amount of stomach acid, it can lead to stomach ulcers and cause damage to the esophagus. Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors work to reduce the amount of stomach acid, thereby relieving symptoms of acid reflux.
Filing a Nexium Lawsuit
While Nexium has been on the market for a number of years, multiple reports indicate a risk for Nexium users to develop acute kidney injuries or even experience total loss of kidney function. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, taking Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors increases a patient’s risk of developing kidney failure and other kidney issues by up to 96% compared to alternative heartburn drugs.
Multiple lawsuits filed against Nexium’s manufacturers allege that the company knew of the increased risks, but did not warn doctors or patients of the drugs potential side effects. A knowledgeable product liability attorney based out of Toledo can assist injured individuals in learning more about this litigation process.
Side Effects and Compensation
Nexium is proven to help relieve some of the pains of heartburn, but it also has the potential to cause serious side effects, including:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Abdominal pain
- Stroke
- Kidney disease and failure
Individuals injured as a direct result of taking Nexium can pursue compensation to recover costs stemming from medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and decreased enjoyment of life.
Reach Out To A Professional Nexium Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered after taking Nexium, turn to the trusted guidance of a distinguished Nexium lawyer who could help you hold large pharmaceutical companies liable for placing dangerous medications on the market. If you have questions or concerns or would like to file a lawsuit for an injury related to Nexium, reach out to a Toledo Nexium attorney today to arrange a consultation.
