A new acute kidney injury lawsuit was recently filed by a woman from Texas, alleging AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals failed to warn her against potential drug complications.

The acute kidney injury lawsuit is joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), where it will stand alongside other claims alleging Nexium adverse effects.

Plaintiff Amy A. opted to file this acute kidney injury lawsuit soon after allegedly discovering Nexium, along with other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), has been linked linked to serious kidney complications.

Millions of patients have been prescribed PPI medications. Many of these drugs are also available for over the counter purchase, making the total number of users much higher than just the number of prescription patients.

Nexium and other PPI medications work by reducing the amount of gastric acid produced in the stomach, and are commonly used to treat acid reflux. This medication can also be used to treat stomach ulcers and erosive esophagitis, which are conditions also linked to gastric acid complications.

At all times relevant, Amy says that she and her physician had relied on the marketing materials and drug information provided by AstraZeneca that assured her that Nexium was a safe and effective treatment method for her condition. With this treatment mechanism in mind, Amy says she was prescribed Nexium and had no reason to be wary against potential kidney problems.

According to the acute kidney injury lawsuit, Amy started her Nexium prescription on June 25, 2008 and stayed on the medication until July 22, 2013. At some point before or after her prescription, Amy says she developed acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.

During the course of her prescription, Amy alleges she only used Nexium for its intended purpose and did not deviate from prescription instructions or her physician’s advice. Even with this diligence, Amy says she still developed serious kidney complications and was spurred her to file this acute kidney injury lawsuit.

Overview of Nexium Kidney Problems

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, PPI medications may be linked with an increased risk of kidney problems.

Researchers found that patients prescribed PPI medications experienced a 96 percent increased risk of kidney failure, along with a 28 percent risk of developing chronic kidney disease. These patients were compared with the control group, who were prescribed histamine H2 receptor blocker drugs.

Another recent study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in February 2016. This study also found an increased risk between PPI medications and chronic kidney disease. According to the article, the study was conducted after it was found that PPI medications may have also increased the risk of acute interstitial nephritis, which is a condition that often leads to kidney failure.

Even though these kidney problems can be devastating to patients, AstraZeneca allegedly failed to warn the general public. Amy states in her lawsuit that she would not have agreed to take Nexium if she had been aware of its reported association with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.

Amy’s acute kidney injury lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2789 that alleges similar injuries from proton pump inhibitors. By joining an MDL, Amy’s acute kidney injury lawsuit will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

This Acute Kidney Injury Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-10827, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, Newark Division.