Nexium

What Is Nexium ?

Nexium is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach. Nexium is prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as to heal damage to the esophagus.

GERD is caused by acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus (tube between the throat and stomach). Over time, this acid can cause ulcers on the lining of the esophagus.GERD is a chronic condition and once it begins usually it is usually life-long.

Nexium was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) February 20, 2001. Manufactured by Astra Zeneca, it quickly became the most heavily advertised pharmaceutical drug in the United States. Nexium ads with the slogan, “Today’s purple pill is Nexium, from the makers of Prilosec” quickly saturated media outlets. AstraZeneca strategically priced Nexium slightly below Prilosec and also gave discounts to hospitals and managed care plans. AstraZeneca provided doctors with many free samples and also offered newspaper coupons to promote the switch by patients from Prilosec to Nexium.

Nexium Side Effects

Nexium has many potential side effects and adverse reactions, including:

• Osteoporosis-related bone fractures
• Loss of bone density
• Allergic reaction
• Breathing difficulty
• Closing of the throat
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Hives
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Dry mouth

Nexium And The FDA

In 2008, the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) published the results of a large study of nearly 16,000 patients that used proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium. According to CMAJ, patients that use Nexium and other PPI’s for seven or more years to are at a greater risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis related bone fractures. The 2008 study specifically noted that there is an increased risk of hip fractures among the participants after five years of continuous exposure to PPI’s and an increased risk of any bone fracture after seven years of continuous exposure.

May 20, 2010, the FDA released their findings that PPI’s such as Nexium may raise the risk of bone fractures when taken either for one year or more or when it is taken in high dosages. The FDA warning followed a review of two studies that were published May 10,2010 in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Those studies found an increase of spine, hip and wrist fractures in patients.

“Epidemiology studies suggest a possible increased risk of bone fractures with the use of proton pump inhibitors for one year or longer, or at high doses,” Dr. Joyce Korvick, an FDA deputy director for safety, says in a statement. “Because these products are used by a great number of people, it’s important for the public to be aware of this possible increased risk and, when prescribing proton pump inhibitors, health care professionals should consider whether a lower dose or shorter duration of therapy would adequately treat the patient’s condition.”
www.fda.gov

Nexium Lawsuits

As a result of the FDA warning, lawsuits have been filed on behalf of Nexium patients. The majority of Nexium lawsuits are on behalf of patients who have suffered bone fractures, loss of bone density, and/or osteoporosis. Anyone who suspects that taking Nexium may be responsible for any bone fractures, loss of bone density or a diagnosis of osteoporosis may want to consider filing a Nexium lawsuit. Even if you are no longer taking Nexium, you may have a claim against the manufacturer Astra Zeneca to recover medical costs and expenses related to your injuries.

The experienced Nexium lawyers at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC are now accepting Nexium lawsuits clients throughout the United States. If you have taken Nexium and suffered bone fractures, an early loss of bone density or osteoporosis perhaps as a result of taking Nexium, please fill out the contact form on this page or call our law firm today for your free no obligation consultation.