A woman has field a PPI lawsuit against AstraZeneca, makers of Nexium.

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid by stopping the cells in the lining of the stomach from producing too much acid. Nexium binds with the proton pump, inhibiting the ability of the cell to secrete gastric acid.

Nexium is AstraZeneca’s best-selling drug and is the third-largest-selling drug in the world.

PPI Lawsuit Alleges Nexium Caused Chronic Kidney Disease

Plaintiff Linda D.’s doctor prescribed Nexium for her on numerous occasions from 2005 through 2016. She alleges that Nexium caused her to develop chronic kidney disease, a diagnosis she learned in April 2016.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual loss of kidney function. Advanced stages of chronic kidney disease can lead to dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste building up in the body. Symptoms might go unnoticed until chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage.

The PPI lawsuit addresses chronic kidney disease, saying, “Studies have shown the long term use of PPIs was independently associated with a 20 percent to 50 percent higher risk of chronic kidney disease, after adjusting for several potential confounding variables, including demographics, socioeconomic status, clinical measurements, prevalent co-morbidities, and concomitant use of medications.”

One study indicated that the use PPIs for any period of time increased the risk of chronic kidney disease by ten percent.

In addition to causing CKD, Nexium can cause acute kidney injury as well. According to the PPI lawsuit, “studies indicate that those using PPIs such as Nexium are at a more than 2.5 times greater risk than the general population to suffer acute kidney injury (AKI).”

Nexium’s label does not include a warning regarding the increased risk of chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury.

The PPI lawsuit also mentions that Nexium and other PPIs can cause acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), which is inflammation of the tubes and tissues of the kidneys. Symptoms of fatigue, nausea and weakness have been seen as quickly as within one week of taking PPIs.

“Recent studies indicate that those using PPIs such as Nexium are at a three times greater risk than the general population to suffer acute interstitial nephritis,” according to Linda’s complaint.

AstraZeneca Accused of Hiding Nexium’s Effects on Kidneys

According to the PPI lawsuit, AstraZeneca “knew or should have known about the correlation between the use of Nexium and the significantly increased risks of AIN, CKD, AKI and other renal impairment.”

AstraZeneca allegedly omitted, concealed and inadequately provided important safety information regarding the use of Nexium to Linda and to her health care providers.

The PPI lawsuit adds that AstraZeneca “intentionally concealed the true facts and information regarding the serious risks of harm associated with the ingestion of Nexium, and intentionally downplayed the type, nature and extent of the adverse side effects of ingesting Nexium, despite their knowledge and awareness of these serious side effects and risks.”

The PPI Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-02465-CCC-MF, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Newark Division.