Nexium® Related Spine Fracture
For information about a Nexium® spine fracture claim, contact our attorneys today.
Nexium®, the trademarked name for the drug Esomeprazole Magnesium, is in a class of medication known as PPIs or proton pump inhibitors. They are most commonly prescribed to treat chronic heartburn and acid reflux disease but can also be used to lessen the risk of developing ulcers in patients undergoing NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) therapy.
PPIs such as Nexium® are widely used and generally regarded as safe. However, side effects include:
- Mild to moderate diarrhea
- Constipation
- Uncomfortable and even painful gas/bloating
- Blistering or peeling of the skin
- Life-threatening allergic reactions
- Adverse drug interactions
New research has found that these drugs may cause patients to be at higher risk for bone fracture and osteoporosis related fracture.
The FDA has reviewed several studies that report patients taking Nexium® and other PPIs for extended periods (over 1 year) or in doses higher than the recommended 40 mg tablet once per day also suffered an increased rate of bone fracture. These studies focused primarily on patients that were 50 years and older. These patients were found to be at higher risk than younger Nexium® users. In addition, no correlation between gender was found which means that men as well as women are at risk for these higher rates of bone fracture.
These studies have prompted the FDA to require stronger warnings on drug labels.
Nexium® Spine Fracture
The types of fractures related to Nexium® use are similar to those of osteoporosis sufferers. These fractures most commonly occur in the wrist and hip, but far more dangerous spine fractures have been reported. These spine fractures can result in complete or partial paralysis, which may be irreversible.
Nexium® and PPI Therapy
While PPI drugs such as Nexium® can be used to treat occasional ailments such as H. Pylori infections, the most common use for these drugs is PPI therapy. PPI therapy is often prescribed for the treatment of:
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Chronic heartburn (occurring two or more times per week)
- Erosive esophagitis,
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (where the stomach constantly produces too much acid)
Because this therapy is the most common use of PPIs such as Nexium®, and because it often requires patients to take the drug continuously (often times twice per day) for extended periods, it puts those patients at greater risk for these types of bone fracture.
The FDAs requirement for stronger warnings on drug labels has prompted AstraZeneca, the makers of Nexium®, to recommend that patients using Nexium® as part of a PPI therapy regimen receive only the minimum required dosage.
Contact a Nexium® Injury Lawyer
If you have used Nexium® and suffered any of the side effects including bone fracture of the wrist, hip, or even spine, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact one of our Nexium® attorneys today to discuss your case confidentially. This consultation is at no cost to you, but you have to act now. Your right to compensation may be subject to time limitations.
