Nexium (esomerazole) is one of the most popular heartburn treatment drugs in the United States, with millions of patients throughout the country taking this medication.

However, what these patients might not realize is that recent studies have indicated Nexium side effects could include potential kidney problems.

According to a recent study published in February 2016 in JAMA Internal Medicine, using Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.

The study examined 10,482 subjects for 13.9 years, with patients prescribed proton pump inhibitors and other prescribed H2-receptor antagonists, a different class of heartburn medication.

The results showed patients who were prescribed Nexium and other drugs in its medication class had a 20% to 50% higher risk of developing chronic kidney side effects.

An earlier study from April 2015, had concluded that Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors had increased the risk of kidney problems significantly.

Approximately 600,00 patients were examined at age 66 years old or older, with the control group being equal in number. Other studies have found similar results, with the most recent study indicating patients taking Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors face a 96% increased risk of severe kidney side effects.

The most recent study was published in April 2016 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, which compared H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors.

The study indicated a 96% increased risk of developing kidney failure, along with a 28% greater risk of chronic kidney disease compared to patients on the H2 receptor blockers.

Approximately 15 million Americans have been prescribed Nexium or other proton pump inhibitors, with some of them reporting adverse Nexium side effects like kidney failure.

After reviewing these studies and numerous injury reports, the FDA mandated Nexium side effects should add a kidney disorder called acute interstitial nephritis to the warning label.

Overview of Nexium Side Effects

Manufactured by AstraZeneca, Nexium has earned the company billions since its release in the early 2000s. Nexium comes in capsule and injection, and is a part of the proton pump inhibitor class of drugs designed to reduce the body’s gastric acid manufacturing process.

Patients typically prescribed this medication are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, and can typically be cured with changes to their diet and following Nexium prescription instructions.

Even though this drug has become widely popular, a number of patients have reported adverse Nexium side effects such as kidney problems and dementia.

The long term kidney side effects have been reported in patients who had taken the drug for treatment purposes, and followed prescription instructions.

Patients taking Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors should be vigilant for any signs of kidney failure including: seizure, stroke, nerve damage, bleeding in stomach and intestines, anemia and weak bones.

If caught early, kidney problems can typically be reversed, but kidney transplant could be necessary if the condition progresses far enough.

Patients who have experienced kidney problems or other adverse Nexium side effects may be eligible to take legal action against AstraZeneca. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine if they have a potential Nexium kidney failure lawsuit.