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What Is Nexium? Understanding Proton Pump Inhibitors
Nexium belongs to a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and is extensively used in the United States for treating conditions related to stomach acid.
Nexium is one of the common heartburn drugs used to treat acid-related conditions. It is commonly recognized by its nickname, “the purple pill.”
There are four main forms of Nexium available:
- Prescription Nexium: Produced by AstraZeneca, this version is designed to treat severe acid-related conditions.
- Generic Nexium: Esomeprazole, the generic equivalent of Nexium, is manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies and is available both by prescription and over-the-counter.
- OTC Nexium 24HR: Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter sale, this version of Nexium, made by Pfizer, is intended to manage chronic heartburn.
- Store Brand Nexium 24HR: This generic version of the 24-hour formula of esomeprazole is available under the private labels of certain retailers, such as Walmart and Walgreens.
Esomeprazole, the active ingredient in all versions of Nexium, shares a nearly identical chemical structure with omeprazole, the active ingredient in Prilosec.
Research indicates that esomeprazole may be slightly more effective at controlling stomach acid compared to omeprazole.
Heartburn Drugs and Heart Attack Risk
Heartburn drugs, commonly referred to as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), have recently come under scrutiny for their potential link to heart attacks. A pivotal study by researchers at the Houston Methodist Research Institute revealed that prolonged use of PPIs could elevate the risk of heart attack by as much as 20%.
This increased risk is attributed to the drugs’ interference with the body’s production of nitric oxide, a crucial molecule for maintaining the health of blood vessels.
By disrupting this process, PPIs may contribute to the development of cardiovascular issues, underscoring the need for caution and further research into the long-term effects of these widely used medications.
Heartburn Medications Nexium and Prilosec May Increase Heart Attack Risk
Dr. John P. Cooke, PhD is one of the researchers involved in a study linking proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage with heart attacks and advanced aging. Symptoms like a burning sensation in the chest can be warning signs of more severe conditions.
Proton pump inhibitors treat frequent heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease. Chest pain is another symptom that should be addressed with healthcare professionals to rule out serious issues.
The name-brand versions of these drugs in the US are Nexium and Prilosec. Nexium and Prilosec are the #1 most prescribed drug in the country.
Dr. Cooke and his team have found that long-term users of Nexium have a 20% higher risk of heart attack than non-PPI users. The study utilized the medical records of 3 million people. Studies indicate these medications may increase heart attack risk by approximately 15 to 20 percent.
The problem with continued Nexium use is the drug’s interference with the health of blood vessels. The researchers studied the effect of Nexium and Prilosec on vascular cells and have determined that the drugs accelerate aging which increases the chance of a heart attack.
To treat heartburn that lasts longer than 2-4 weeks, Dr. Cooke suggests using non-PPI antacids such as Zantac, Tagamet, Tums, Mylanta, or Rolaids.
Contributing factors to persistent heartburn may be:
- Being overweight
- Too much coffee or alcohol
- Lying down too quickly after heavy meals
- Long-term use of PPIs has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Other Injuries Named in the Nexium Lawsuits
Lawsuits involving the drug Nexium primarily focus on kidney-related injuries. Research has indicated that long-term usage of Nexium, Prilosec, and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may lead to kidney issues.
Studies have utilized electronic medical records to investigate the relationship between PPIs and health risks, identifying patterns and associations that could inform healthcare practices and raise awareness about the potential risks related to common heartburn medications.
Legal claims against these medications have pointed to studies suggesting a large association between the use of Nexium and other PPIs and an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, estimated to be 20% to 50% higher.
Despite these findings, AstraZeneca, the manufacturer, has maintained that Nexium does not pose any risk to kidney health.
The types of kidney injuries cited in Nexium lawsuits include:
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- End-stage renal failure
- Interstitial nephritis
These conditions are severe and can have profound health implications. For instance, a review of the case involving Harry Mason revealed that he suffered kidney failure linked to his use of Nexium, ultimately necessitating a kidney transplant.
Moreover, ongoing lawsuits consolidated in a multidistrict litigation in New Jersey against the manufacturers of Prevacid, another PPI, highlighting similar concerns.
The allegations in the Nexium kidney-related claims include:
- Lack of warnings: It is claimed that the defendants were aware or should have been aware since the early 2000s that Nexium could cause kidney problems, yet they failed to provide adequate warnings to consumers.
- Continued sales despite known risks: AstraZeneca is accused of continuing to sell Nexium even after becoming aware of the potential risks.
Further aggravating the situation, studies have shown that the risk of kidney damage from PPIs is higher when compared to H2 blockers.
Other health risks associated with PPIs include hip fractures, community-acquired pneumonia, infections from Clostridium difficile, and acute interstitial nephritis.
Specific studies have underscored the dangers of PPIs:
- One study highlighted a 250% increase in acute kidney injuries among elderly patients newly prescribed Nexium and similar drugs.
- Another study reinforced the link between long-term use of PPIs and a 20% to 50% increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
This study comes after other studies that have connected long-term Nexium and Prilosec use with Acute Interstitial Nephritis, Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney Failure, and bone fractures.
Nexium lawsuits across the country claim that the manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has a responsibility to warn the FDA, healthcare providers, and the public about these possible side effects related to extended PPI use.
Status of Nexium Lawsuits in 2024
Individuals who initiated lawsuits against the manufacturers of Nexium alleged that the drug led to kidney injuries and chronic kidney disease.
By September 2024, there were 12,308 lawsuits involving Nexium and Prilosec, asserting that AstraZeneca was aware of the potential for kidney issues but did not adequately inform the public.
In 2023, AstraZeneca agreed to resolve these cases through a settlement.
Contact the Nexium Injury Lawyers at Hollis Law Firm
If you’ve used Nexium, Prilosec, or any other proton pump inhibitor and now suffer kidney problems, you may have a claim that is eligible for compensation. Contact the legal team at Hollis Law Firm today to start your obligation-free case review. You never owe any money or fees unless there is recovery for your claim. Call today for a confidential consultation at (800) 701-3672.
