Nexium (Esomeprazole) is widely prescribed to treat digestive issues such as acid reflux and ulcers.

It is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They get their name from the fact that these drugs stop acid from being pumped into the stomach.

With acid reduction, patients notice relief from heartburn, difficulty swallowing and irritating cough.

Unfortunately, this relief can come at a hefty price.

Newly released research indicates that Nexium, Prilosec and other PPIs can prematurely age a person’s vascular cells. This physical transformation could be why PPIs have been accused of raising the risk of kidney damage and heart problems.

This information is vital because some patients depend upon Nexium safety, believing the drug is relatively harmless.

The American Heart Association published the study in its online edition of its May 2016 Circulation Research journal.

Researchers from the Houston Methodist Research Institute’s Cardiovascular Sciences department found that Nexium prematurely aged the cells that make up the inner lining of blood vessels, causing them to weaken.

Common Nexium Side Effects

Nexium safety has come into question for a number of reasons. The most common side effect from Nexium is diarrhea.

The use of PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of C-Diff diarrhea, a particularly virulent condition. The FDA has advised this is probably because the reduced acid in the system allows excess bacteria to accumulate in the digestive system.

Other Nexium side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Feel Like Throwing Up
• Excess Gas
• Head Pain
• Stomach Cramps
• Dry Mouth
• Constipation
• Rash
• Nervousness
• Osteoporosis-related Fractures
• Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

Studies Point to Kidney Problems

In 2014, researchers from the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy published a study that warned of widespread overuse and abuse of PPIs. In addition, many people who take Nexium and other such medications end up taking them for more than four years. Some patients have been dependent upon PPIs for 20 years or more.

The FDA warns that PPIs can cause a kidney disorder called acute interstitial nephritis, which means the kidneys are swollen, resulting in decreased renal function.

Studies have also linked Nexium with:

• Acute kidney injury
• Chronic kidney disease
• End-stage kidney failure

The JAMA Internal Medicine medical journal published a study that showed the risk of kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease is up to 50 percent higher in those who take Nexium, Prilosec or other PPIs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a study that showed PPI users were up to 96 percent more apt to develop kidney failure and 28 percent more likely to develop chronic kidney disease after five years of taking the medications.

Nexium and Others Face Lawsuits

Makers and marketers of Nexium, Prilosec and other PPIs are facing lawsuits from patients who are suffering kidney damage after taking these drugs.

Millions of PPI prescriptions are written each year, which means that many more lawsuits could be filed. A class action lawsuit could be the best way to receive compensation for kidney problems that you or a loved one have suffered from Nexium, Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors.