The alleged correlation between the use of PPI and kidney disease has become the subject of a federal multidistrict litigation, with a growing number of Nexium patients alleging they developed chronic kidney disease.

Many of these patients have opted to file legal action against AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, alleging the company did not warn them that their Nexium prescription could cause chronic kidney disease.

One of the most recent claims alleging a correlation between the use of PPI and kidney disease was filed by a woman from Kentucky, who allegedly developed chronic kidney disease from ingesting Nexium.

Plaintiff Elizabeth S. had reportedly used Nexium for typical treatment purposes between 2010 to 2012 and had no reason to believe she was facing an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

Nexium and other PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are typically used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and ulcers by reducing the amount of digestive acids produced in the stomach. PPIs are among the most widely used medications in the United States, with an estimated 15 million prescription users.

However, the total number is likely much higher due to the availability of over the counter variants. Even though these medications are now commonly used, the medical community and patient population have recently become concerned over the alleged correlation of the use of PPI and kidney disease.

Elizabeth was one of the patients who allegedly developed chronic kidney disease from Nexium use, along with acute kidney injury.

Overview of PPI and Kidney Disease

One of the most significant studies indicating a correlation between the use of PPI and kidney disease was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

This study compared the side effects of histamine H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors, especially in reports of kidney damage. According to the results of the study, patients prescribed PPIs had faced a 96 percent increased risk of kidney failure and 28 percent risk of chronic kidney disease when compared to histamine H2 receptor blockers.

Another study to investigate the alleged link between the use of PPI and kidney disease was published in February 2016 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). This study was conducted to see if PPIs increased the risk of acute interstitial nephritis, which is a condition known to lead to kidney failure.

Previously, the FDA had approved a label change for Nexium to include acute interstitial nephritis as a potential drug complication in late 2014. Even though the alleged correlation between the use of PPI and kidney disease has been known for years, AstraZeneca allegedly failed to disclose this information to the public.

At all times relevant, Elizabeth says she relied on the marketing statements and product information provided by AstraZeneca. Elizabeth states that she would not have agreed to take Nexium if she had known she faced a greater chance of chronic kidney disease.

Elizabeth is having her Nexium lawsuit join MDL No. 2789, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging chronic kidney disease from PPI use. Elizabeth is seeking a multitude of damages in her Nexium lawsuit, including counts of negligence and failure to warn.

This Chronic Kidney Disease Lawsuit is case No. 2:18-cv-15285-CCC-MF, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.