Nexium, a purple pill developed by AstraZeneca, has been targeted in a number of Nexium lawsuits, including recent kidney disease allegations in a potential new wave of litigation.

The Illinois plaintiff involved in the most recent of these Nexium lawsuits, George M., alleges that AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals failed to warn the public and the medical community about the dangerous side effects of the drug, including kidney damage.

According to George M., he began taking Nexium at the direction of his doctor, and continued to do so for a number of years.

As a direct result of taking Nexium, George M. claims he developed chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function.

The plaintiff alleges that hundreds of individuals have submitted injury reports over Nexium to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

George M.’s attorney says there are several hundred inquiries over Nexium claims waiting for his firm. His firm is not the only one investigating such claims, the attorney says, which indicates the likelihood of an impending multidistrict litigation approach to handling these Nexium lawsuits, or at least some time of coordinated proceeding.

According to a statement from AstraZeneca, given in response to an increasing number of Nexium lawsuits, “AstraZeneca is confident in the safety and efficacy of Nexium and intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.”

Background of Nexium

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug used for treating heartburn, stomach and other digestive issues.

Nexium and other popular PPI drugs work by inhibiting the secretion of stomach acid.

Nexium is used by millions of Americans each year. Around 15 million individual prescriptions were filed for PPI drugs like Nexium in 2013 alone.

Since Nexium is also available without a prescription, the number of PPI drug patients was likely much higher, totaling more than $10 billion in sales.

Other Nexium Side Effects

The majority of Nexium side effects are mild, generally going away on their own without further treatment. However, some side effects can persist or worsen, which indicates a need to seek medical attention.

The mild side effects of Nexium include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Unusual drowsiness

If patients taking Nexium notice more serious problems, like those listed below, this may be a sign of further complications.

• Irregular heartbeat
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
• Persistent fever
• Blood/mucus in stool
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency (weakness, sore tongue, numbness)

Nexium Lawsuits

If you or someone you love has taken Nexium and has since suffered from kidney failure or other serious Nexium side effects, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

While Nexium lawsuits cannot take away the pain and suffering of those who have experienced side effects from Nexium, it can help to compensate for the financial expenses generally incurred through medical bills.