A Nexium lawsuit filed against drug manufacturer AstraZeneca alleges that the popular acid-blocking drug caused a woman personal injuries and economic damages.

Plaintiff Amanda S. is a 45-year-old woman who began taking Nexium on starting in 2012 until 2016 under the guidance of her doctors.

“As a result of using Defendants Nexium, Plaintiff suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease,” the Nexium lawsuit states. Amanda claims this chronic kidney disease from Nexium cause her “severe and permanent personal injuries, pain, suffering, economic loss, and emotional distress.”

Amanda states that she would not have used Nexium if she had received proper warning of the risk of chronic kidney disease from Nexium.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease from Nexium

Chronic kidney disease refers to a gradual loss of the functioning of the kidneys. The kidneys are a major detoxification organ in the body, filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste, fluid and electrolytes can build up to dangerous levels in the body

Initially, patients suffering from chronic kidney disease from Nexium may have few, if any overt symptoms. Many times, it is not until the kidneys become significantly impaired that a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is considered.

Treating patients for chronic kidney disease from Nexium focuses on slowing down the progression of the kidney damage and attempt to identify the underlying issues driving the disease. If it is not adequately treated, chronic kidney disease can lead to end stage renal failure which requires dialysis or kidney transplant.

Chronic kidney disease from Nexium itself can be fatal and can also lead to cardiovascular events which may also cause significant damage or death as well. Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of chronic kidney disease from Nexium and other PPIs that ranges between 10% and 50% over those who do not take the medications.

As one of the most commonly prescribed medications nationwide, proton pump inhibitors, known as PPIs, are almost a standard household medicine cabinet product. In 2013 alone, approximately 15 million U.S. residents spent more than $10 billion on PPI medications. Nexium is AstraZeneca’s top-selling drug.

PPIs are designed to treat dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid peptic disease, acid reflux, Zolinger-Ellison syndrome and stomach ulcers. These medications work by blocking the production of stomach acid.

Hundreds of injury reports surrounding Nexium have been made to the FDA. Chronic kidney disease from Nexium is often cited, along with reports of acute interstitial nephritis, acute kidney injury and renal or kidney failure all being reported.

In her Nexium lawsuit, Amanda has raised a number of allegations against AstraZeneca including product liability for defective design and failure to warn, breach of express warranty and punitive damages allegations.

Amanda is seeking a jury trial to receive judgment in her favor and seeks “compensatory and punitive damages, together with interest, cost herein incurred, attorneys’ fees, and all such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper.”

The Chronic Kidney Disease from Nexium Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-02597-CCC-MF, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Newark Division.