New research suggests Nexium OTC side effects may include an increased risk of kidney damage and failure.

The study was published in the April 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Researchers studied medical records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system, reviewing results in over 170,000 new users of proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, a class of drugs that includes Nexium.

For comparison, the researchers also examined the results from over 20,000 new users of a different type of antacid medication called H2 receptor blockers.

The results showed that after five years, users of PPIs showed a 28 percent increase in the risk of developing kidney problems. While it was rare for patients to experience kidney damage that progressed to end-stage kidney failure, PPI users showed a 96 percent greater risk of their kidney problems progressing that far.

The study’s author, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly of the VA St. Louis Health Care System, said the results support the idea that patients taking PPIs should avoid taking them any more than is medically necessary.

Tracking Nexium OTC Side Effects

Nexium OTC and its class of antacid medications is commonly used to treat conditions like heartburn and acid reflux.

PPIs like Nexium have been in very widespread use throughout the U.S.: the researchers note that in 2013, around 15 million U.S. patients received prescriptions for PPIs. They speculate the actual number of PPI users is much higher, since the same drugs are available in over-the-counter formulations.

The risk of kidney damage is just one of the health problems that may be associated with PPI treatment. These drugs have also been linked to other problems like an increased risk of bone fractures and infections such as C. difficile.

According to drugs.com, some side effects reported in conjunction with Nexium OTC treatment may be serious enough to warrant medical attention. These major side effects may include:

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating
• chills
• constipation
• cough
• darkened urine
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fast heartbeat
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

Other Nexium OTC side effects may not be serious enough to require immediate medical attention, and they may resolve on their own. The more common of these side effects may include:

• bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• dry mouth
• passing gas

Nexium OTC side effects that are less common, rare, or whose incidence is not known may includeL

• acne
• back pain
• swollen joints
• agitation
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

If you or someone you know has suffered any kidney damage or injury after taking Nexium OTC or other PPI drugs, you may have a legal claim. Specialized Nexium attorneys can help decide if a Nexium lawsuit is right for you.