Nexium, Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been prescribed for stomach acid reduction for nearly 35 years.

Now, new research indicates that these medications can in effect, prematurely age vascular cells, leading to severe kidney side effects.

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 looked at the actions of Nexium, Prilosec,and other PPIs.

These medicines work by inhibiting the proton pump of a certain cell called the parietal cell, which is responsible for the final step of acid secretion in the stomach. This is how incidence of acid reflux, heartburn and GERD are controlled by PPIs.

While several recent studies have indicated a link between Nexium and kidney side effects, patients have been known to depend upon the PPIs for years, believing they would experience few side effects.

Growing evidence suggests PPIs contribute to kidney side effects including acute kidney inflammation, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure.

The Houston Findings

The inner lining of blood vessels is called the endothelium, made up of endothelial cells. Researchers cultured human cells and added esomeprazole, the active ingredient in Nexium.

Endolethial cell function was impaired, which affected the lining of the blood cells and caused premature aging of the cells. Alarmed researchers want the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA to warn the public of the dangers these drugs pose.

Basically, the PPIs stop acid from being released in the stomach, but they also stop other cells from doing the good work they need to do.

Other Studies Point to Kidney Side Effects

Researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs determined that patients who take Nexium, Prilosec or other PPIs could be at risk for kidney side effects.  Specifically, the researchers found that PPI users may be up to 96% more apt to develop kidney failure and 28% more likely to experience chronic kidney disease after using the drugs for five years.

In another study published this year in the JAMA internal Medicine journal, PPI users were shown to be at a possibly 50% higher risk of chronic kidney disease than those who did not take the drugs.

Researchers from the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy published a study in 2014 that warned of widespread overuse and abuse of PPIs.

In addition, many people who take PPIs do so for more than four years. There are patients who have taken them for 20 years or more, who are suffering the consequences.

Kidney Side Effects Prompting Lawsuits

Manufacturers of Nexium, Prilosec and other PPIs may be facing litigation from patients who are enduring adverse kidney problems after taking these drugs.

Plaintiffs say they would have heeded warnings from the pharmaceutical companies had they been forthcoming about the dangers of kidney side effects when taking PPIs.

Millions of Americans take PPIs, and that means that thousands of lawsuits could be filed. A class action lawsuit or individual lawsuit could help you in receiving compensation for kidney problems that you or a loved one have suffered after relying on the supposed safety of Nexium, Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors.

An experienced drug injury attorney can review your case at no cost and help you determine if filing a PPI kidney side effects lawsuit is the best option for you.