Overuse Could Lead to Connection Between Nexium and Kidney Disease

A new study shows that overuse of PPI drugs like Nexium could lead to serious consequences for the person taking the medication. These common drugs are often taken by patients to address concerns like ulcers and heartburn.

The Irish Examiner reports that a study out of Wexford General Hospital shows that when these heartburn medicines are inappropriately prescribed to patients in general practice or those undergoing surgery that the patient ends up coping with the consequences and risks.

The study identified that as many as 70 percent of patients were being given proton pump inhibitor drugs. The purpose of these medicines being given, allegedly, was to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, but the study says that many of these prescriptions were given to patients where there was no clinical indication the drug was needed.

The study explored the experiences of 89 patients in the hospital, finding that although nearly three-quarters of them were on PPI drugs, they should have only been recommended in 30% of those situations.

The overuse is concerning because of potential links between Nexium and kidney issues, as well as other serious health effects. Recent studies have drawn connections between Nexium and kidney issues as more patients have come forward to report their side effects to doctors after taking these drugs over a long period of time.

Long Term Side Effects for PPIs

It’s not only the studies pointing out the link between Nexium and kidney issues that are cause for concern. Nexium is just one of several proton pump inhibitors that have unintended and potentially life-threatening consequences including kidney disease.

Many of these drugs are intended to be a short-term solution for addressing a medical problem like an ulcer. While achieving reduced stomach acid is a common outcome for most people taking a PPI, long-term use has its own set of severe side effects.

The drugs work by suppressing stomach acid, but this has led some doctors to ask whether or not there are side effects to consistently reducing the body’s stomach acid when these drugs are taken for a very long period of time.

In addition to kidney problems, other long-term side effects of these drugs can include pneumonia, bacterial infections, and issues with calcium absorption, according to an article published by Harvard Medical School.

Why Are PPIs So Popular?

For years, many people turned to acid reducers like Maalox as their over-the-counter treatment of choice for problems like acid and heartburn. However, PPIs have become widely popular because they are more effective than other treatments. In comparison, however, they are also more expensive.

PPI drugs are very potent and are often more in line with treating the symptoms for a person who has GERD rather than everyday heartburn or stomach acid.

Taking the drugs for a year or longer could even lead to depleted magnesium levels and bone fractures, according to research. Consumers getting a prescription or buying these over the counter might not realize these potential symptoms if the drugs are misused or taken for too long.

If you or someone you know has already been hurt as a result of taking Nexium or other PPIs, you might be eligible to participate in an investigation or even speak with an attorney.