Nexium Side Effects
At RxRecall.com, our proton pump inhibitor attorneys are presently investigating claims involving Nexium, a popular prescription medication used to treat heartburn. According to studies Nexium use may increase the risk of a number of serious bone fractures. A number of Nexium lawsuits have been filed on behalf of users who have suffered severe bone deterioration or fractures.
Nexium, manufactured and marketed by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, belongs to a group of medications known as proton pump inhibitors that are typically used for the short-term treatment of acid reflux, which can cause heartburn. While Nexium has been effective in treating heartburn, it has also been linked to severe side effects. A December 2006 study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that prolonged or heavy Nexium use significantly increases the risk of hip fractures in elderly patients.
Additionally, a 2010 study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that mothers that use proton pump inhibitors like Nexium during early pregnancy were twice as likely to have a child with a heart defect that those who did not take the drugs. Three types of birth defects were specified in the study: septal defects, and right and left ventricular defects.
At RxRecall.com, our dangerous drug lawyers are investigating claims involving Nexium. Well-versed in both the dangers of proton pump inhibitors and the product liability laws that protect consumers, our Nexium lawsuit attorneys can help you obtain fair compensation for your suffering. If you or your child has experienced severe Nexium side effects, contact an RxRecall.com Nexium lawyer today. Call 1-800-918-4559 to schedule a free consultation.
What are proton pump inhibitors?
Proton pump inhibitors, like Nexium, work by blocking the production of stomach acid. They do this by shutting down a system in the stomach known as the proton pump.
Proton pump inhibitors are used in the treatment of GERD, stomach and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Doctors may prescribe using PPIs alone, or in combination with antacids. PPIs may also be used in combination with certain antibiotics (e.g. amoxycillin and clarithromycin) when treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection (a bacterial infection of the stomach), which is thought to be one of the main causes of recurring stomach ulcers. Learn more: proton pump inhibitors.
What side effects are associated with Nexium use?
Serious side effects most often reported in Nexium users include the following:
- Hip fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Spine fractures
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
The risk of these Nexium side effects is greatly increased in patients receiving high doses or in intervals greater than a year at a time. In May 2010, the FDA announced that warnings would be provided about the risk of bone fracture side effects from prescription strength PPI drugs. The warnings came after FDA drug safety reviewers looked at a number of epidemiological studies into PPI bone fracture risks. A year later, the FDA updated an earlier drug safety communication indicating that it has determined that the use of high doses of PPIs for more than a year can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures of the hip, wrist and spine.
Nexium FDA Warning
Due to the strong link between heartburn drugs and various types of bone fractures, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced in May 2010 that the packaging of Nexium would be required to carry an enhanced warning regarding the risks of these side effects. The warning on the FDA website states:
“Be aware that an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine has been reported in some studies of patients using proton pump inhibitors. The greatest increased risk for these fractures was seen in patients who receive high doses of these medications or use them longer (a year or more).”
Contact Our Nexium Attorneys
An experienced Nexium lawyer – one familiar with potential proton pump inhibitor side effects and with the product liability laws that protect you as a consumer – can help you obtain fair compensation for your suffering. Serving dangerous drug victims nationwide, we have extensive experience with product liability cases. We can help you too.
If you have experienced Nexium side effects, contact us today and discuss your potential Nexium lawsuit with an experienced RxRecall.com product liability lawyer. Our Nexium attorneys will evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
