Nexium Kidney Injury and Stomach Cancer Lawsuits
Although it has been used by millions of people and is widely thought to be safe, several studies suggest that side effects of Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may increase the risk of serious kidney problems, which were not adequately disclosed by the drug maker, including:
- Gastric Cancer or Stomach Cancer
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Acute Interstitial Nephritis
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Kidney Failure
- Dialysis Treatment
- Kidney Transplant Surgery
If information had been provided to consumers and the medical community about the potential link between Nexium and kidney injury or stomach cancer, many people may have avoided serious and life-threatening complications by limiting their use of this drug or choosing a different treatment alternative.
Nexium Side Effects
Since it was introduced by AstraZeneca in 2001, Nexium has become one of the most widely used drugs in the United States and generated about $6 billion in annual sales before it became available as a generic.
Nexium is commonly taken for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as heartburn, stomach ulcers and inflammation of the esophagus. It is part of a larger class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which also include Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix and others.
AstraZenica has aggressively marketed the “Purple Pill” as safe and effective, but increasing evidence suggests that users may face a serious risk of kidney injury from Nexium long-term use. Separate studies have also highlighted a potential link between Nexium and stomach cancer, with an increased risk the longer the drug is taken.
Although it appears that the drug maker knew or should have know about these potential Nexium risks, information was withheld from consumers and the medical community.
▸ Nexium Stomach Cancer Lawyers
Concerns about risk of stomach cancer or gastric cancer from Nexium and other PPI drugs gained widespread attention after the publication of two studies in late 2017, which indicated that users may face a substantially higher risk.
According to findings outlined in a study published in the Gut medical journal, proton pump inhibitors like Nexium may increase the risk of gastric cancer following treatment for Helicobacter pylori infections.
In separate findings published by The BMJ in October 2017, researchers found that Nexium and other PPI heartburn drugs increase the risk of stomach cancer among both men and women, including all age groups. For long-term users, Nexium may result in a three-fold gastric cancer risk.
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are evaluating the potential for Nexium stomach cancer lawsuits, and provide free consultations and claim evaluations to help individuals and families determine whether they may be entitled to financial compensation.
▸ Nexium Interstitial Nephritis Warnings
Acute interstitial nephritis is one of several types of kidney damage linked to Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors.
In December 2014, the FDA required new warning information about a form a Nexium kidney problems, known as acute interstitial nephritis, which involves a sudden inflammation of the kidneys that can lead to more severe problems. The new warning information states:
Acute interstitial nephritis has been observed in patients taking PPIs including Nexium. Acute interstitial nephritis may occur at any point during PPI therapy and is generally attributed to idiopathic hypersensitivy reaction. Discontinue Nexium if acute interstial nephritis develops
According to allegations that will be raised in Nexium kidney damage lawsuits, these warnings should have been provided much earlier and also do not go far enough. Consumers and the medical community should be informed that Nexium may increase the risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure and other problems.
▸ Nexium Acute Kidney Injury Risk
In a study published by the medical journal CMAJ Open in April 2015, researchers found that side effects of Nexium and other PPI may also cause some users to face a 2.5 fold increased risk of acute kidney injury, as well as a three times higher risk of acute interstitial nephritis when compared to individuals who do not use a heartburn drug.
Researchers highlighted the importance of doctors understanding the risk of acute interstitial nephritis and kidney injury with drugs like Nexium, indicating that patients should be monitored and indiscriminate use of the drugs should be discouraged.
In severe cases, a Nexium acute kidney injury may become chronic, leading to kidney disease, end-stage renal failure, the need for life-long dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant.
▸ Nexium Kidney Disease
In January 2016, another study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine highlighted the Nexium kidney injury risks, finding that proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may increase the chances of individuals developing chronic kidney disease (CDK) by 50%.
Researchers called for further research on the link between Nexium and kidney disease, and lawsuits allege that Nexium warnings should more clearly indicated that Nexium can cause sudden loss of kidney function, potentially resulting in symptoms like:
- Weakness or Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Abnormal Heart Rhythms
- Pain the Flanks
Recurrent kidney injury or more severe instances may be the underlying cause of chronic kidney disease from Nexium, and many individuals may have avoided this serious complication by discontinuing the drug or pursuing a different treatment alternative.
It appears that AstraZenica placed their desire for profits ahead of consumer safety by failing to provide adequate information and warnings about these potential Nexium kidney risks.
Nexium Class Action Lawyers
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. previously reviewed potential Nexium class action lawsuits and individual claims for those who suffered a kidney injury or been left with stomach cancer.
AstraZeneca agreed to a $425 million Nexium and Prilosec settlement in October 2023, resolving allegations raised in roughly 11,000 side effects lawsuits associated with its heartburn medications.
The Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are no longer reviewing new cases. This page is maintained for informational purposes only.