Updated on: 10/17/2019
_pills.JPG)
Nexium (Esomeprazole) is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), used to treat certain health conditions involving the stomach and esophagus. Common ailments designed to be treated by PPIs like Nexium include acid reflux and ulcers in the stomach.
Nexium and other PPIs are designed to work by decreasing the amount of acid created by your digestive system, alleviating heartburn and persistent coughing, among other symptoms. PPI medications are also purportedly effective at healing damage done to the stomach lining and esophagus caused by stomach acid.
One of the issues with Nexium and other PPI medications is that the medication is not fast-acting and does not relieve heartburn or other related digestive issues right away. That means patients who take PPIs need to take the medication regularly and frequently.
Studies performed by the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo School of Medicine and other organizations have concluded that there is evidence of a strong link of Proton Pump Inhibitor medications to a higher risk of developing serious kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and interstitial nephritis.
Other Disturbing PPI Trends and Over-Prescriptions
Data also shows that some of the seemingly minor injuries and medical conditions suffered by patients taking PPIs may be precursors for more serious and dangerous kidney issues, including CKD, cancer, and infection.
CKD and other serious kidney injuries may lead to renal failure and require patients to undergo kidney transplants, which can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Patients also have to wait long periods of time in some cases in order to be approved for a donated kidney from an organ donor.
In 2015, it is estimated that there were approximately 120 million prescriptions written for PPI medications such as Nexium, meaning that nearly 50 percent of the United States adult population had received a PPI prescription.
To make matters even worse, it’s estimated that almost 70 percent of the prescriptions written that year were for “off-label” uses, meaning they were prescribed to treat conditions that PPI drugs had not been FDA-approved to treat. A large percentage of these off-label prescriptions are believed to be for mild heartburn, while the drugs are really meant for people with serious digestive issues such as ulcers and erosive esophagitis.
Consult With A PPI Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been harmed after taking Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medications, it may be in your best interests to consult with an attorney experienced in handling claims against manufacturers of defective and dangerous drugs. The legal team at Davis Law Group will review your PPI injury claim absolutely free.
If we believe we can help you with your claim, we’ll assist you with the filing process and help you get the financial compensation you deserve under the law. Use the confidential contact form on this page to share the details of your case with our legal team.
