What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Nexium
Nexium is a drug that can treat certain stomach and esophageal problems, such as acid reflux or ulcers. Unfortunately, while this drug can treat many conditions, it can also cause negative side effects that could affect someone for the rest of their life. Because of this, it is considered a dangerous drug.
The long-term side effects of Nexium include strokes, bone fractures, kidney issues, and heart damage. These conditions could jeopardize someone’s health. Because of this, many people have filed mass tort litigation lawsuits against the makers of this product for defective design and negligence. The makers knew of the potential harm the product could cause but failed to warn consumers adequately.
Nexium Increases the Risk of Certain Life-Altering Conditions
Nexium is a part of a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is a popular drug that can treat stomach acid-related conditions. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Nexium to treat various gastrointestinal issues.
Some of the long-term side effects of regular Nexium use include:
Strokes
Studies conducted by BMC Biology and Medicine concluded that the regular use of PPIs, such as Nexium, increases the risk of strokes. This occurs because it interferes with the body’s ability to repair wounds inside blood vessels, preventing the body from stopping a stroke.
Researchers recommend that anyone prescribed PPIs undergo an underlying stroke risk assessment before taking the medication.
Bone Fractures
Studies have shown that the regular use of PPIs, such as Nexium, could lead to an increased risk of bone fractures. That’s because, over time, Nexium can weaken bones, leading to various complications.
Kidney Issues
Many people who took Nexium state that the manufacturers knew about the kidney issues people could deal with after regular use of the product. Kidney issues people have dealt with after regular use include:
- Kidney disease
- Kidney injury
- Kidney failure
- Acute interstitial nephritis
Kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which then get removed from the body through urine. If the kidneys aren’t functioning correctly, enough toxins can build up in the body, which can cause severe illness or death. Treatment for extensive kidney disease includes dialysis, which artificially filters the blood. In addition, some people could require kidney transplants.
Heart Damage
Research suggests that Nexium could damage arteries, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks. During a study, researchers found that vascular cells in people who regularly used Nexium didn’t divide or grow properly. This makes it difficult for the cells that repair wounds in blood vessels, preventing them from performing tasks that could prevent a heart attack.
What Does Nexium Treat?
Nexium is a popular medication that doctors can prescribe, or someone can get over the counter. In general, the medication seeks to alleviate the symptoms associated with:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition that occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. This can irritate the lining of the esophagus. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest, trouble swallowing, and chest pain.
- Stomach ulcers: Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach. Sores can also develop in the upper portion of the small intestine. Symptoms of stomach ulcers include burning stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, and nausea. Severe symptoms could include vomiting blood and trouble breathing.
- Heartburn: This condition is usually recognized as a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone. People who experience chronic heartburn could benefit from PPIs to relieve their symptoms. However, these medications come with certain risks.
- Erosive esophagitis: A condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus. It can cause someone to have difficulty swallowing and chest pain.
Nexium and other PPIs can treat these conditions and help people find relief from painful symptoms. However, while it can help alleviate symptoms of these conditions, it can cause harmful long-term side effects.
People Who Develop Serious Side Effects Could File a Lawsuit
Someone who develops a condition because of a dangerous drug can file a lawsuit against the liable party. For example, Nexium has caused damage to many people. Therefore, many plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturers. When many people file lawsuits after sustaining injuries because of the same product, the cases could get consolidated into mass tort litigation (MDL).
This reduces the burden on the courts by consolidating the discovery and pretrial proceedings into one federal court. The one court presides over the initial proceedings to determine how future cases will move forward.
In an MDL, each plaintiff can receive their own settlement. Plaintiffs could recover compensation for the damages they incurred, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Many plaintiffs in the case against Nexium have partnered with injury lawyers. You can, too. A lawyer can identify your losses, move your case through the court system, and seek financial recovery from the liable party.
You Have a Limited Time to Seek Damages from the Makers of Nexium
Every lawsuit comes with a filing deadline, and how long you have to file depends on where you live. It also depends on what condition you suffered and when it happened. Because of your case’s filing deadline, it’s in your best interest to consider legal representation as soon as possible.
A Prescription Drug Injuries Lawyer can determine how long you have to file your lawsuit and take action accordingly. Missing any deadline associated with your case could forfeit your right to damages.
If You Suffer From the Long-Term Side Effects of Nexium, an Attorney Can Help
People who suffer from the long-term side effects of regular Nexium use could qualify to recover compensation for their losses. Unfortunately, the manufacturers of Nexium knew their product could cause harm to others and continued to sell it without warning. Because of this, they face many lawsuits against people who have suffered from the conditions linked to the product. You have legal rights. If you suffer from the long-term effects of taking Nexium, contact an attorney today. A mass torts lawyer who manages cases against drug manufacturers could secure the damages you need. To learn more, dial 1.844.44TORTS (1.844.448.6787).