Experienced Nexium Lawsuit Lawyers
Nexium is a heartburn medication that’s become a bestselling drug among the millions of Americans who suffer from this condition. The drug has earned billions of dollars for its manufacturer, AstraZeneca, despite the fact that the drug is linked to serious side effects. Many people who suffered these side effects felt that these effects were understated and that they were not warned of them. This has given rise to a wave of lawsuits against AstraZeneca. If you’ve suffered from complications due to Nexium side effects, contact Parker Waichman LLP today to speak with a Nexium lawsuit attorney for free. Drug manufacturers are responsible for adequately warning consumers of the potential dangers of their products, and when they don’t, a Nexium lawsuit attorney can help you hold them responsible. We’re committed to helping victims of AstraZeneca’s failure to warn about the dangers of Nexium.
What Is Nexium Used For?
Nexium is taken to relieve stomach and esophageal issues such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Erosive esophagitis
- NSAID-associated gastric ulcers
- Duodenal ulcers
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
How Does Nexium Work?
Nexium belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It reduces the amount of acid in the stomach by inhibiting the proton pump, a mechanism that creates stomach acid. These drugs differ from antacids, which neutralize stomach acid rather than reduce its production. There are a few types of Nexium products, including over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. Nexium’s 24-hour pill is an over-the-counter medication, and there’s also an injectable form of Nexium.
What Are the Bad Side Effects of Nexium’s Long-Term Use?
Since Nexium was approved for use by the FDA in 2001, it has been linked with some mild side effects, but unfortunately, it has been linked to serious complications, too. These complications include:
- Stomach or gastric cancer
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- Kidney disease
- Severe diarrhea
- Cognitive decline
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Low magnesium levels
Nexium Lawsuits and Settlement Amounts
More than a thousand people have filed a Nexium lawsuit case against AstraZeneca because of bone fractures, and thousands more have filed legal claims because of kidney injuries suffered as a result of taking Nexium. Whistleblowers brought a lawsuit against AstraZeneca under the False Claims Act with the allegation that the company used kickback schemes to illegally boost profits. This resulted in a $7.9 million settlement.
These lawsuits have caused many people to ask the question, “Is Nexium safe?” For many patients, the answer has been “no.” It’s clear that there are many serious side effects associated with the medication that AstraZeneca tried to hide. People who have experienced kidney failure after taking Nexium are especially encouraged to contact a Nexium lawyer, but if you’ve experienced any serious symptoms or complications while taking this drug, it’s a good idea to learn about your legal rights by speaking with a Nexium lawsuit attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nexium and its Dangers
What Is Nexium?
Nexium is the most well-known brand name for esomeprazole.
What Class of Drug Is Nexium In?
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are a class of drug that was developed for the purpose of reducing the production of stomach acid in order to treat symptoms associated with GERD and ulcers.
How Does Nexium Heal the Esophagus?
Nexium works by reducing the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach. Having less of this acid reduces the rate at which it is able to harm the esophagus, giving it more time to heal any damage that had been done prior to taking the PPI.
How Effective Is Nexium?
Research has shown Nexium to be highly effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, the main purpose of the drug.
Does the Nexium Powder Have Any Side Effects?
Side effects of Nexium powder may include:
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea in children under 17
- Sleepiness in children under 17
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Is There a Difference Between Prescription Nexium and Over-the-Counter Nexium?
Both versions of Nexium contain the same active ingredient, so there’s no significant difference when comparing the same dose of each. However, prescription Nexium comes in a variety of dosages, while the over-the-counter version only comes in 20 mg capsules.
Does Generic Nexium Work as Well as Nexium?
Yes. Generic Nexium, known as esomeprazole, is the same drug as Nexium.
Why Is Nexium Bad?
When taken for an extended period of time, Nexium can cause adverse and often serious side effects. Studies have shown that prolonged use of Nexium can lead to conditions such as inflammation of the stomach lining, kidney damage, and liver damage.
Can Nexium Cause Liver Damage?
Yes. Research conducted at the University of California San Diego has shown that proton pump inhibitors like Nexium may be linked to chronic liver disease. When compared to the general population, those who are diagnosed with liver disease are far more likely to be using proton pump inhibitors.
Does Nexium Cause Dementia?
At this point, there is no definitive link between Nexium and dementia, but a study in 2016 found that those ages 75 and older who regularly use PPIs, like Nexium, have a 44% increased chance of developing dementia versus those who did not take a PPI.
Can Taking Nexium Cause Stomach Cancer?
Research on a possible link between proton pump inhibitors and stomach cancer is ongoing, but some studies have shown that taking a PPI for an extended period of time could increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.
Can Nexium Damage Your Kidneys?
Yes. Multiple studies have found that those taking proton pump inhibitors like Nexium are more likely to develop kidney problems. One such study showed that chronic kidney disease was present in 15% of proton pump inhibitor users but only 11% of those who didn’t use these drugs. Thousands of people have filed a Nexium lawsuit seeking compensation for kidney damage caused by taking this drug.
Can Nexium Cause an Irregular Heartbeat?
Yes. In 2010, researchers found that taking Nexium for more than a year can cause a decrease in serum magnesium levels, leading to a condition called hypomagnesemia. A side effect of this condition can be the development of an irregular heartbeat.
Does Nexium Cause Weight Gain?
The effects of this drug on weight vary from person to person. Nexium has been shown to cause weight gain in some patients, but it has also been shown to cause weight loss in others.
Can Nexium Make You Tired?
Nexium can cause drowsiness in some users, but this is not always the case. It’s highly advised that you not drive or operate machinery until you are familiar with how your body reacts to the drug.
Will Nexium Side Effects Go Away?
For the most part, mild Nexium side effects will dissipate on their own as your body acclimates to the drug. However, some side effects linked to prolonged use require medical treatment, while others, such as kidney and liver damage, can be permanent.
How Long Does it Take Nexium to Get Out of Your System?
The half-life of Nexium is around three hours, but because of the way it binds to cells in your stomach, it can stay in your system much longer than that.
How Long Does Nexium Withdrawal Last?
When you stop taking Nexium or another proton pump inhibitor, it can cause a rebound effect in which symptoms reappear and are often more severe than before. These symptoms can last from four weeks to three months.
Is Nexium a Schedule Drug?
Under the Controlled Substances Act, Nexium is not considered to be a controlled substance.
Is There a Recall on Nexium?
So far, there has been no official FDA recall of Nexium.
Who Is Nexium’s Manufacturer?
Prescription Nexium is made by AstraZeneca; the over-the-counter version is made by Pfizer.
Has Nexium Been Removed From the Market?
No. Nexium is still widely available by prescription and over the counter.
Is There a Class-Action Suit Against Nexium?
There is no current class-action suit based on Nexium’s dangerous side effects, but there is a pending multi-district litigation, in which numerous cases are consolidated in one court but considered separately. Thousands of plaintiffs are involved in this MDL, alleging that taking PPIs caused them to develop kidney disease.
Nexium has also been the focus of a previous class action. In 2015, AstraZeneca paid $20 million to settle a Nexium and Prilosec lawsuit accusing the company of misleading marketing tactics aimed at guiding consumers toward switching from Prilosec, which was about to be available as a generic drug, to name-brand Nexium.
Get a Free Consultation With a Nexium Lawyer Today
At Parker Waichman, our team of committed Nexium lawsuit lawyers can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your defective drug claim. We’re recovered more than $2 billion for our clients, and we’ll guide you through the process of pursuing a Nexium lawsuit every step of the way. And we’ll do so at no cost to you: We only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket.
Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and whether you should pursue a Nexium lawsuit. Contact us through our online form or by phone at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER to get started.
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