Nexium

Nexium Can Cause Increased Risk of Hip Fractures and Birth Defects

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor manufactured by AstraZeneca.  It is used by millions of people to fight heartburn.  Nexium is not to be confused with Prilosec.  They both have the same manufacturer and both fight heartburn, but Prilosec is now available over the counter, whereas Nexium is only available by prescription.  The effectiveness of these drugs is essentially the same.

Nexium was the subject  of a British study that was included in the December 2006 issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association).  This study found that use of Nexium over a long period of time and/or taking the drug in high dosages actually increases the risk of a person 50 or over fracturing a hip.  This study looked at 145,000 people who used various heartburn drugs, including Nexium.  The analysis of the data showed that in people over the age of 50 there was an increase of 44% in the risk they had for hip fractures.  The data from the study also showed that people who used the drug for long periods of time, and in high amounts, were 2 1/2 times more likely to suffer a hip fracture than people who didn't use the drug.  

The cause of this problem is linked to Calcium.  Nexium blocks enzymes in the stomach that make it more difficult for the body to absorb calcium.  Less calcium results in weaker bones and, eventually, more fractures.  Men have it worse, because women typically are more cognizant of their calcium intake.  The manufacturer of course denies there is a problem and has not, we allege, warned properly about it.   As a result, doctors and patients may be unaware of this danger.

Nexium has also been reported to increase the risk of birth defects to mothers who took the medicine in the month before they became pregnant.  A study published in 2010 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that there was a 39 percent increased risk of birth defects to women who took the drug in the month prior to pregnancy.  These birth defects include a risk of miscarriage, congenital malformations to the skull and brain, fluid build up in the brain and heart problems.  Birth defects such as these can be lifelong and very expensive to treat.

Our Pensacola defective drug attorneys are challenging the manufacturer of Nexium on these issues and are fighting to prove that AstraZeneca knew about these problems, but to this day have chosen to ignore them.  The Taylor Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for people who have taken defective drugs and has the experience and resources necessary to win this battle.  Please contact us today to discuss your claim involving Nexium by filling out our contact form or calling us at 855-646-4355.  We represent clients in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and the cities of Mobile, Fairhope, Pensacola, Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and clients all across the country.