Prilosec and Nexium and Chronic Kidney Disease

Two of the most common drugs taken for indigestion and heartburn issues have been shown to have serious health consequences that extend beyond the limits of typical drug side effects. The drugs, Prilosec and Nexium, have both been linked to an increasing number of cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The number of legal cases against the drug manufacturers is growing as people become educated on the correlation between these drugs and CKD and are reaching out for assistance from an accident lawyer, including those in Hudson Valley. The following overview is designed to outline the basic information about these drugs:

Prilosec is a drug taken for heartburn, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), dyspepsia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These ailments and diseases are common in Americans, and as a result, there are many people that take medications to combat their symptoms. Prilosec slows down the stomach’s acid production to provide relief. Prilosec is available both over the counter and by prescription.

Nexium also provides relief from heartburn, PUD, GERD, and dyspepsia by reducing the amount of acid that is present in the stomach. Like Prilosec, Nexium is widely taken and is available over the counter and by prescription.

Prilosec and Nexium share a number of common side effects which include headaches, nausea or vomiting, constipation, gas, dry mouth, diarrhea, and cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing. These side effects are considered to be normal and are not cause for alarm, unless they persist, become significantly worse, or more serious side effects begin to occur.

Both Prilosec and Nexium are linked to CKD. People who take these drugs on a regular basis are between twenty and fifty percent more likely to develop CKD than people who do not take Prilosec or Nexium. CKD is extremely serious and can be fatal in some cases. People with CKD must undergo a number of treatments such as dialysis, surgery, organ transplants, and drug therapy. In addition to the physical complications that people with CKD face, there are a number of financial burdens as well. When a person has CKD they are often unable to continue working, meaning a loss of income. In addition, people with CKD face hefty costs associated with their illness, like insurance fees, doctor’s bills, paying for hospital stays, charges for surgeries and procedures, and drug refills, all of which places them under a tremendous financial burden. In short, CKD significantly alters all aspects of a person’s life.

Both Prilosec and Nexium have mounting legal cases against them for their correlation to CKD. People who have CKD or other kidney disorders and who have taken either Prilosec or Nexium should contact a Hudson Valley accident lawyer to discuss potential legal action and understand what their options are.