The anti-heartburn drug Nexium has been linked to dozens of cases of acute interstitial nephritis, a serious kidney disease that causes swelling and inflammation. Without prompt treatment, it can cause kidney failure.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Nexium induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with interstitial nephritis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
Nexium is a popular anti-heartburn medication that contains esomeprazole. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach.
Nexium and Interstitial Nephritis
The FDA updated the label on Nexium to include acute interstitial nephritis in December 2014. This side effect causes sudden, severe kidney inflammation. It can occur at any time during treatment with Nexium.
Study Finds Nexium May Triple Risk of Nephritis
One of the most recent studies to link Nexium and interstitial nephritis was published in CMAJ Open in April 2015. The researchers found that older adults who started taking a PPI were three times more likely to develop kidney damage or nephritis.
Furthermore, dozens of case reports have been published since the 1990s. The first case report was published in 1992. In 2005, researchers published two more case reports. In one, a woman who needed long-term dialysis. In the other report, the patient used Nexium for only three weeks before developing nephritis.
What is Acute Interstitial Nephritis?
Acute interstitial nephritis is a sudden kidney inflammation that is causes swelling in the spaces between kidney tubules. About 50% of patients develop signs of kidney failure.
What Causes Nephritis?
Nephritis is usually caused by an allergic reaction to medications in the bloodstream. Over 100 different medications may be responsible, including Nexium, antibiotics, and painkillers in the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) class.
Symptoms of Nephritis
- Blood in urine
- Fever
- Changes in urine output (increased or decreased)
- Coma, confusion, or drowsiness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rash
- Swelling anywhere in the body
- Weight-gain and fluid retention
Complications
Nexium reactions tend to be more severe in older adults. They are also more likely to develop permanent kidney damage. In one study, researchers observed two phases of recovery — rapid improvement for two months followed by slow improvement for one year. They warned that “permanent impairment of renal function is rather common in the disease.”
Treatment
Acute interstitial nephritis is a temporary disease that can usually be reversed by discontinuing medications and taking corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory) medications. The longer a patient with nephritis goes without treatment, the higher the risk of permanent complications. It can lead to permanent kidney damage or even kidney failure.
Do I have a Nexium Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Nexium induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with interstitial nephritis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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