As the allegations linking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to kidney failure continue to pile up, a married couple has filed legal action against Nexium’s manufacturing company AstraZeneca.

The couple alleges the company failed to adequately warn them against the potential correlation between Nexium and interstitial nephritis, which is a condition that can lead to kidney failure.

The alleged link between PPIs, like Prilosec and Nexium, with kidney problems has been a prevalent concern to the medical community since at least 2014.

During that year, the FDA indicated there was a link between Nexium and interstitial nephritis.

The agency had approved label changes for Nexium to include the condition as a possible side effect after several recent studies and numerous injury reports suggested a correlation.

Plaintiff couple Linda C. and Timothy C. filed the Nexium lawsuit against AstraZeneca on Aug. 18, 2016, claiming the company failed to warn them about Nexium and interstitial nephritis and other dangerous side effects.

Linda says she used Nexium for heartburn or similar purposes and that she developed interstitial nephritis and end stage kidney disease soon after.

Other harm mentioned in the Nexium lawsuit include physical pain, mental anguish, diminished quality of life, and ongoing medical treatment.

Overview of Nexium and Interstitial Nephritis

Linda and her husband allege that the company is responsible for her injuries, as they failed to warn her about the possible kidney side effects of Nexium.

She alleges that at no point during her treatment did Linda use Nexium outside of its treatment purposes, and she did not deviate from prescription instructions or physician advice.

Linda states that she never would have taken the medication if she had been aware of the link between Nexium and interstitial nephritis.

Now that about 15 million U.S. patients have been prescribed PPIs like Nexium and Prilosec, it is vital for AstraZeneca to adequately disclose all side effects of their heartburn medication.

One recent study found that patients who took PPIs like Prilosec and Nexium had a 96% greater risk of kidney failure and a 28% increased risk of chronic kidney disease compared to patients who took other kinds of acid-suppressing medications.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, with PPIs compared to H2 receptor blockers. Patients who were prescribed H2 receptor blockers had showed a much lower risk of kidney damage.

Chronic kidney damage or kidney failure can be potentially deadly if a transplant is not readily available. Patients taking these medications may notice Prilosec or Nexium kidney damage symptoms including:

• Anemia
• Weak bones
• Stomach and Intestinal Bleeding
• Blood Sugar Level Changes
• Nerve Damage in Limbs
• High Blood Pressure
• Liver Damage
• Stroke
• Seizure

Linda and Timothy are requesting a trial by jury and are seeking judgment against AstraZeneca and its associates for all past and future damages. These damages will not only cover Linda’s medical expenses but also attorneys’ fees and other applicable forms of relief.

The Nexium Lawsuit is Case No. 1:16-cv-07910, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Western Virginia.