Atlanta Nexium Lawyer

Nexium and Prilosec are drugs used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. They are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and they help to reduce the level of acid in a person’s stomach. They are used to prevent ulcers and heal existing ulcers.

However, there are ongoing lawsuits related to these drugs. Plaintiffs claim long-term use can increase the risk of stroke, renal failure, heart conditions, bone fractures, and acute kidney problems.

At Hammers Law Firm, we are working on behalf of clients who used Nexium or Prilosec and suffered kidney damage.

What Do We Know About the Nexium & Prilosec Lawsuits?

Already, more than 4,000 people have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of the two drugs. The cases have been combined before a New Jersey federal judge. That’s the state where the discovery and evidence gathering processes are happening. Plaintiffs claim the manufacturers of Nexium and Prilosec neglected to warn doctors and patients of the drugs’ dangers. The manufacturers include AstraZeneca, Proctor & Gamble, and Pfizer.

Lawyers are arguing that:

  • Prilosec and Nexium are unreasonably dangerous and defective
  • The manufacturers acted negligently in the production of the drugs
  • The manufacturers failed to properly test Nexium and Prilosec and failed to warn patients and doctors of the risks
  • Also, the manufacturers hid evidence of the dangers from the public and the government
  • The manufacturers mislead people about the drugs’ safety in their marketing materials

What Are Some of the Side Effects and Injuries Caused by Nexium & Prilosec?

The side effects of Nexium and Prilosec can be serious.  People who take multiple doses daily for a year or longer are at greater risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures. This is especially true for individuals age 50 and above. Users also seem to have a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and stroke.

It’s important to take notice if used these drugs for a long time and you are affected by:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteopenia
  • Kidney disease
  • Numbness in the arm, leg or face
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Vision loss
  • Dizziness
  • Problems walking
  • Severe headache
  • Low magnesium levels

Let’s look at some the potential side effects of Nexium, Prilosec, and other PPIs in more detail.

Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Attacks

One study which found a link between PPIs and the risk of heart attack was published in PLOS ONE in 2015. It examined 16 million clinical documents relating to 2.9 million patients. The study found that PPIs increase the risk of heart attack by 16 to 21 percent. This is because drugs like Nexium and Prilosec can reduce the creation of a substance which protects the blood vessels. This increases the risk of developing blood clots and other heart problems.

Chronic Kidney Disease

PPIs have been linked to a 20 to 50 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease. One study in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal found the risk to be higher in patients who took higher doses. Chronic kidney disease involves a gradual loss of kidney function and can lead to renal failure. Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Fluid in the lungs
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles or legs

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs due to a reduction in the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. It causes brain cells and tissues to die. PPIs have been linked to a 20 to 30 percent increase in the risk of strokes. The level of risk depends on the user’s dosage.

Gastric Tumors, Bone Fractures, and Anemia

Nexium and Prilosec don’t only reduce the acid in the stomach. They also reduce the production of other substances made by the stomach cells. This affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium.

That’s why the long-term use of PPIs has been linked to hypomagnesemia, pernicious anemia and iron deficiency anemia. It can also reduce bone strength, thereby increasing the risk of bone fracture.

At the same time, PPIs increase the production of gastrin, a hormone which stimulates the secretion of gastric acid. The resulting hypergastrinemia has been linked to a heightened risk of gastric tumors and other cancers in patients.

Pneumonia, Diarrhea and Systemic Infections

The secretion of gastric acid plays a major role in our health. However, PPIs decrease it by up to 99 percent. If these drugs are taken for a long time, the limited gastric acid makes users vulnerable to infection. This is because hydrochloric acid helps to kill bacteria and viruses in the food we eat. Without it, Clostridium difficile enteritis, diarrhea, and pneumonia are more likely to occur.

Risk of Dementia

One study found that regular use of PPIs was associated with a 50 percent increase in the risk of dementia. The research which was published in the JAMA Neurology journal analyzed data from 74,000 patients over a seven-year period. The researchers said the risk may be even higher in countries where PPIs are available over the counter.

What Damages Are Being Awarded in Nexium & Prilosec Lawsuits?

Our attorneys are fighting on behalf of individuals who have suffered kidney damage as a result of Nexium or Prilosec. If these drugs are responsible for your condition, we can seek damages for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Mental and physical pain and suffering
  • Wage or salary loss
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Punitive damages, if applicable

What Are the Fees and Costs for Representation?

We offer potential clients a free initial consultation during which we evaluate the merit of your case. If you don’t have a case, we’ll let you know. However, if we determine that you are entitled to compensation, we will fight on your behalf. You won’t need to pay us anything up front. You only pay if we recover damages for you. Our contingency fee varies between 20 and 40 percent depending on the amount we secure for you.

Contact Hammers Law Firm Today for A Free Case Review

If you’ve suffered kidney damage because of prolonged use of Nexium or Prilosec, contact us today. At Hammers Law Firm, our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and skills to assist you. However, you need to act quickly since there could be a statute of limitations on your case. Also, lawsuits against big drug companies are never easy. They involve hundreds of pages of documents, extensive interviews with experts and negotiations with some of the best lawyers.  We are up to the task but the more time we have to work on your case, the better. If you want the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve, call us immediately.

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