AstraZeneca has been hit with a Nexium chronic kidney disease lawsuit filed by an Illinois man who claims the company failed to warn of serious side effects associated with the heartburn medication.

Plaintiff George M. was prescribed Nexium on numerous occasions from Sept. 2006 through Sept. 2013.

In 2008, George suffered chronic kidney disease while taking Nexium as prescribed.

According to his Nexium chronic kidney disease lawsuit, AstraZeneca knew or should have known that Nexium could cause users to suffer unreasonable, dangerous side effects such as chronic kidney disease.

Specifically, George alleges that AstraZeneca “failed to meet their duty to use reasonable care in the testing, creating, designing, manufacturing, labeling, packaging, marketing, selling, and warning of Nexium,” the Nexium chronic kidney disease lawsuit reads.

George claims that he would never have used Nexium had he been properly appraised of the risks of chronic kidney disease associated with the use of Nexium.

Chronic Kidney Disease Dangers Associated with PPIs

Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function. Kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted.

When chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in the body.

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, patients may exhibit few signs of symptoms.

Chronic kidney disease may not become apparent until kidney function is significantly impaired.

The disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without artificial filtering, dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Studies have shown the long term use of PPIs, like Nexium, is associated with a 20 to 50 percent higher risk of chronic kidney disease.

One study in particular, published in the medical journal JAMA found an increased risk of chronic kidney disease with use of proton pump inhibitors.

Users of Nexium and other PPI heartburn drugs may face a 50 percent higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease when compared to non-users.

According to researchers, PPIs may lead to chronic kidney disease through recurrent acute kidney injury.

The researchers recommended that doctors provide patients with a detailed risk analysis, that they suggest alternative types of treatments as well as avoid indiscriminate use of this potentially dangerous group of medications.

Filing a Nexium Chronic Kidney Disease Lawsuit

PPIs like Nexium work by reducing the production of stomach acid and can have mild side effects like nausea or abdominal pain.

PPI drugs like Nexium were prescribed to 15 million Americans in 2013, but nationwide use is likely much higher, since the medications are easily available over the counter.

George is seeking compensatory, punitive and exemplary relief for the personal injuries and economic damages he suffered as an alleged result of taking Nexium. He has requested a jury trial for this case.

If you or someone you know experienced kidney problems after taking Nexium, you may qualify to file a Nexium chronic kidney disease lawsuit.

The Nexium Chronic Kidney Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 1:16-cv-4801 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.