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    Virginia Nexium Chronic Kidney Disease Lawyers

    Users of Nexium and similar heartburn drugs called “proton pump inhibitors” (PPIs) may face a heightened risk of developing chronic kidney disease, according to a study recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

    In fact, the researchers found that the risk of chronic kidney disease among PPI users may be as much as 20 to 50 percent greater than among those who do not take these drugs.

    PPIs have been associated with many other side effects as well, including the increased risk of heart attacks, fractures and hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels in one’s blood.

    If you or a loved one has suffered kidney problems or other side effects after taking Nexium 24HR or other PPIs such as Prilosec, protect your legal rights by contacting Marks & Harrison right away. You may be entitled to compensation for the harm you have suffered.

    As one of the oldest and largest personal injury law firms in Virginia, we have the skills, experience and resources it takes to hold the manufacturers of dangerous and defective drugs accountable.

    Don’t wait to take action. Connect with us and receive a free consultation. We can discuss your case by phone, at our Richmond headquarters or at any one of our eight other offices located throughout Virginia. We will get to work on your case today.

    What Is Nexium?

    You may have been prescribed Nexium (esomeprazole) or bought Nexium 24HR over the counter to treat “heartburn” or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The drug is also referred to as “The Purple Pill.”

    Nexium is manufactured by AstraZeneca, which has U.S. headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. The same company makes Prilosec (omeprazole), which was the first proton pump inhibitor to be sold in the U.S.

    Here’s how the drug works:

    Proton pumps are enzymes in the stomach which produce hydrochloric acid, or the main component in stomach acid. If stomach acid gets into your esophagus, it can cause GERD-related heartburn. PPIs prevent heartburn by reducing the amount of hydrochloric acid which is produced by proton pumps. In other words, the reduce stomach acid.

    According to the JAMA Internal Medicine study, more than 15 million Americans were prescribed PPIs such as Nexium as recently as 2013, making PPIs one of the most widely used medications in the country.

    This widespread use is concern when one considers the many side effects that have been associated with PPIs, including chronic kidney disease.

    Study Finds Increased Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in PPI Users

    The authors of the JAMA Internal Medicine study, which was published online in January 2016, found that proton pump inhibitor use is associated with “a higher risk” of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

    The researchers arrived at this conclusion after analyzing one group of 10,482 patients and another group of 248,751 patients. In both groups, the rate of CKD was higher among those taking PPIs than those who were not taking PPIs.

    However, the researchers note, their study was “observational and does not provide evidence of causality.”

    The study also found a higher rate of recurrent acute kidney injury (AKI) among PPI users. AKI is a condition that often precedes the onset of chronic kidney disease.

    A person’s kidneys stop functioning when they suffer from chronic kidney disease. This can cause waste to build up in the body. The condition may become fatal unless a patient undergoes dialysis or receives a kidney transplant.

    If you or a loved one has used Nexium or any other PPI to treat heartburn, you should seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Those signs include:

    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Sudden appetite loss
    • Weakness and fatigue
    • Sleep difficulty
    • Frequent urination
    • Muscle cramps
    • Swelling in areas such as the ankles and feet
    • Chest pains
    • Shortness of breath
    • Hypertension (high blood pressure).

    Consulting with a lawyer who has experience with handling defective drug cases will be important as well. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and any other harm you have suffered.

    Suffering Nexium Side Effects? Our Lawyers Can Help You

    The product liability attorneys of Marks & Harrison are now reviewing cases of chronic kidney disease and other harmful side effects that may be linked to a patient’s use of Nexium, Prilosec or other PPIs.

    If you believe that you or a loved one has been impacted by these drugs, contact us without delay. We can review the facts of your case, explain your legal rights and discuss all legal options that may be available to you.

    We are specifically investigating whether AstraZeneca and other PPI manufacturers knew of chronic kidney disease risks associated with their products but failed to give patients adequate warnings about those risks in the products’ labeling and/or advertising.

    Our firm has extensive experience with handling complex product liability litigation. We know how to protect the rights of our clients if a case becomes a part of wider, “mass tort” litigation.

    Keep in mind: Many mass tort cases can result in a manufacturer establishing a “global settlement” fund. Before you submit a claim with such a fund, you should always speak with an attorney and review whether taking such an action is in your best interest.

    Contact Our Virginia Nexium Chronic Kidney Disease Attorneys

    You have only a limited amount of time in which to bring a product liability claim in Virginia. This is why you should not delay taking legal action if you believe that you or a loved one has suffered chronic kidney disease or other harm after taking Nexium or any other proton pump inhibitor.

    Get in touch with Marks & Harrison today. Call or reach us online. We serve clients in Richmond and throughout Virginia. We can provide an immediate, free and confidential consultation.

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