Nexium Lawsuit News: Study Suggests Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Poses Risk for Heart Disease Patients, Bernstein Liebhard LLP Reports

July 7, 2016 - As Nexium lawsuits (http://www.rxinjuryhelp.com/nexium/) continue to mount in courts around the U.S., Bernstein Liebhard LLP notes the publication of a new study that suggests the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors might pose a number of health risks to heart disease patients. The authors of the paper, which was published last month in the International Journal of Cardiology, analyzed data from 604 patients scheduled for cardiovascular rehabilitation two to six months after their heart treatment, nearly half of whom were taking a proton pump inhibitor such as Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid.

The prevalence of anemia was significantly increased in patients taking proton pump inhibitors compared to those who did not use the medications. Use of the drugs was also associated with worsening of metabolic profile, in part due to decreased utilization of ACE-inhibitors and statins. "Prolonged courses of PPIs were connected with existence and worsening of red blood count indexes, older age, lesser weight of patients and underutilization of cardioprotective drugs," the study authors concluded.

"Several recent studies have also suggested that prolonged use of Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors might increase a patient's risk for chronic kidney disease and renal failure. This new research is yet another reminder that these medications have the potential to negatively impact health, especially when used for a long period of time," says Sandy A. Liebhard, a partner at Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationwide law firm representing victims of defective drugs and medical devices. The Firm is currently investigating legal claims on behalf of individuals who may have suffered serious kidney failure or other renal complications due to their use of Nexium or another proton pump inhibitor.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Complications
Proton pump inhibitors are intended for the short-term treatment of GERD and other disorders related to the over-production of stomach acid. In addition to Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec, other prescription medications in this class include Dexilent/Kapidex, Aciphex, and Protonix. Over-the-counter brands, including Nexium 24HR, Prilosec OTC, and Prevacid 24HR, are also available.

A growing body of research has raised concerns about the potential health consequences associated with the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors. In April, for example, a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology linked extended the drugs with a 96% increased risk of renal failure and a 28% increase in the risk for chronic kidney disease when compared to H2-blockers. In January, research that appeared in JAMA Internal Medicine also found that the medications might increase the risk of chronic kidney disease by as much as 50%.

Court records indicate that Nexium lawsuits and other personal injury claims involving proton pump inhibitors are beginning to mount in U.S. courts. One of the most recent cases was filed on July 5th in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee, by a man who allegedly suffered acute interstitial nephritis due to his use of Nexium. Mention of this condition, which causes a severe inflammation of the kidneys, was added to the labels of all prescription proton pump inhibitors in 2014. The plaintiff, who is currently undergoing dialysis and who will likely require a kidney transplant, began using Nexium in 2003 and was diagnosed with severe, drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis in May 2008. His complaint alleges that AstraZeneca failed to provide consumers with adequate warnings regarding the kidney complications associated with Nexium. (Case No. 2:16-cv-02549)

Bernstein Liebhard LLP is now offering free legal reviews to individuals who developed renal failure or other kidney complications that may be related to their use of Nexium or another proton pump inhibitor. To learn more about filing a Nexium lawsuit, please visit Bernstein Liebhard LLP's website, or call 800-511-5092 to arrange for a free, no obligation case review.

About Bernstein Liebhard LLP
Bernstein Liebhard LLP is a New York-based law firm exclusively representing injured persons in complex individual and class action lawsuits nationwide since 1993. As a national law firm, Bernstein Liebhard LLP possesses all of the legal and financial resources required to successfully challenge billion dollar pharmaceutical and medical device companies. As a result, our attorneys and legal staff have been able to recover more than $3.5 billion on behalf of our clients. Bernstein Liebhard LLP is honored to once again be named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List," recognizing the top plaintiffs firms in the country. This year's nomination marks the thirteenth year the firm has been named to this prestigious annual list.

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Contact Information:
Sandy A. Liebhard, Esq.
Bernstein Liebhard LLP
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www.rxinjuryhelp.com
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