AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals is facing a new Nexium lawsuit from an Illinois man, alleging he had developed serious kidney damage as a direct result of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication.

Nexium and chronic kidney disease have recently become associated with each other, after numerous injury reports and recent studies indicating the link.

New Jersey plaintiff Steven G. was prescribed Nexium in 2004, for typical treatment purposes like heartburn.

Until recently, Steven has taken Nexium according to the medication’s prescription instructions and his doctor’s advice.

Even though he was diligent while taking Nexium, Steven was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2014.

Steven alleges that he and his doctor were unaware of the alleged link between Nexium and chronic kidney disease, or the association between proton pump inhibitors and kidney problems in general.

Steven had discovered the alleged correlation after the FDA announced on Oct. 30, 2014 about the association, stating the risk between Nexium and chronic kidney disease was not previously disclosed.

Overview of Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease

Every year millions of Americans are prescribed proton pump inhibitors, with Nexium being one of the best selling of these medications.

Like other proton pump inhibitors, Nexium works by inhibiting the body’s production of stomach acid.

By secreting less stomach acid, the patient’s body will lower or soothe the symptoms of heartburn, ulcers, and other gastric conditions.

The correlation of Nexium and chronic kidney disease had become a concern when a recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology had discovered PPIs may significantly increase the risk of kidney problems.

More specifically, the study found that PPIs have 96% greater risk of developing kidney failure as well as 28% increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

This study compared two patient groups with one taking PPIs, and the other H2 receptor blockers.

Not long after the study, the FDA required Nexium to have its warning labels updated on Dec. 19, 2014.

The new label stated that Nexium can possibly induce kidney disease, with manufacturing companies allegedly knowing the risk for years before the label update.

Patients allege that the correlation between Nexium and chronic kidney disease was concealed to protect the drug’s market value.

Steven states that he never would have taken Nexium if he had known the risks, and that he and his physician were completely unaware of the medication’s serious side effects.

He is filing this Nexium lawsuit against AstraZeneca for failure to warn, along with multiple counts of negligence.

The Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 2:16-cv-05143, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Newark Division.