On May 31, 2011, the Harris County District Court, in Texas, saw the genesis of 35 individual allegations filed against AstraZeneca. Each case devises an argument that blames Nexium, a heartburn medication developed by AstraZeneca, for severe bouts of bone deterioration or unexpected atypical fractures. The main premiss feeding these complaints stems from alleged neglect on the manufacturers behalf to properly warn consumers of the dangerous side effects associated with Nexium.
The plaintiffs seeking compensation for their pain and suffering, consist of 34 women and a nine year old boy. Each of whom are alleging that, despite the manufacturers knowledge that Nexium could cause bones to deteriorate and break, the medication was sold without sufficient warnings.
Nexium was introduced to the U.S. market by the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be utilized as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). As a PPI, Nexium is used to alleviate the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers or inflammation of the esophagus. Esomeprazole, the active ingredient in Nexium, helps to alleviate the symptoms of excessive stomach acid by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. However, recent complaints accuse Nexium of preventing calcium absorption as well.
According to the complaints, this prevention of calcium absorption caused numerous severe fractures in the plaintiffs. Reports indicate that they suffered a wide variety of fractures that included the foot, ankle, leg, arm, hand, knee and fractured vertebrae in the back or neck, many of which had no apparent reason for breaking. When exams were given to determine the cause of the fractures, bone density scans revealed significant bone deterioration in many of the patients.
Studies dating back five years ago may even lend weight to the long suspected link between Nexium and atypical fractures. In 2006, researchers concluded that Nexium may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which reduces hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Accordingly, these actions speed up bone loss and lead to an increased number of fractures.
Due to the severity of these complications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning pertaining to the increased risk of bone fractures from using Nexium or similar PPI’s like Aciphex, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Vimovo and Zegerid.
Do I Have A Nexium Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Nexium lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Nexium, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a Nexium lawsuit. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-800-773-0849.