AstraZeneca has been hit with a lawsuit filed by an Ohio man who claims Nexium caused end-stage renal disease and that the drug maker failed to warn about the serious side effects associated with the heartburn medication.

Plaintiff Joey B. was prescribed Nexium in 2014 to treat his peptic disorders which include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced gastropathy.

On September 18, 2014, Joey was diagnosed with End State Renal Disease and says that use of Nexium caused end-stage renal disease.

According to his Nexium lawsuit, AstraZeneca knew or should have known that Nexium caused end-stage renal disease and other dangerous side effects such as chronic kidney disease.

Specifically, Joey 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 lawsuit reads.

Joey claims that he would never have used Nexium had he been properly appraised of the risks of end-stage renal disease associated with the use of Nexium.

Studies Find Possibilty Nexium Caused End-State Renal Disease

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 renal disease, 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 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.

Joey is seeking compensatory, punitive and exemplary relief for the personal injuries and economic damages he suffered as an alleged result of Nexium caused end-stage renal disease. He has requested a jury trial for this case.

If you or someone you know experienced kidney problems such as end-stage renal disease or kidney failure after taking Nexium, you may qualify to file a Nexium lawsuit.

The Nexium End-Stage Renal Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 2:16-cv-894 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.