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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has analyzed data from epidemiological studies showing a potential link between the heart burn drug Nexium® and the following:

• Hip fractures
• Wrist fractures
• Spine fractures

The agency has released a safety announcement to alert physicians and patients to this possibly dangerous Nexium® side effect.

Epidemiological Studies

Epidemiological studies are retrospective studies that examine defined patient populations from a backward-looking view. Such studies do not determine cause and effect.

Clinical Trials

Scientific studies that are able to determine a potential cause and effect are clinical trials. The FDA plans to analyze results of long-term clinical studies that might indicate a possible cause and effect between Nexium® and fractures.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Nexium®, or esomeprazole magnesium, is among a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI). These medications reduce the amount of acid-producing cells, whose job is to aid digestion in the stomach.

When the acid backs up into the esophagus or tube leading to the stomach from the throat, it can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn or damage to the structure. Excess stomach acid also causes ulcers of the stomach and small intestine.

Nexium® is the prescription form of the compound esomeprazole magnesium. Other drugs in the PPI category include:

• Plavix
• Dexilant
• Prilosec®
• Zegerid
• Protonix
• Aciphex
• Prilosec® OTC (over the counter)
• Zegerid OTC
• Prevacid 24 HR

Lupin Pharmaceuticals makes a generic PPI.

The safety announcement from the FDA:

• Cautioned consumers not to discontinue taking their PPI unless their health care provider advised them to do so
• Advised that certain studies of patients using a PPI had an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine
• Warned patients taking OTC PPIs should use them only as directed and not for longer than 14 days
• Told consumers to talk to their physicians about any health care worries they might have regarding PPIs
• Requested that patients report any side effects from the medication to the FDA’s MedWatch program

You Have Recourse

Consumers taking Nexium® and suffering from hip and other fractures might want to consider seeking compensation by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Nexium®, AstraZeneca.

A Nexium® lawyer has special expertise in pursuing such cases, helping victims recover damages for the pain, suffering and expenses they have endured as a result of taking the medication. One of our lawyers would be pleased to offer you a free preliminary consultation to discuss the particulars of your situation and whether or not your case qualifies as a Nexium® lawsuit. For more information, contact us today.