Dangerous Drug Side Effects: Nexium Adverse Reactions

Across the country, millions of people suffering from chronic heartburn, indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcer disease have turned to prescription medications such as Nexium to calm their stomachs, reduce acid, and allow them to lead normal, pain-free lives. However, many physicians and drug researchers warn that using proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium can have serious side effects as well as long-term health complications.

What are the side effects of Nexium, as well as its associated risks?

• The most common side effects from the prescription drug are headaches, diarrhea, constipation, digestive issues, nausea, gas, loss of appetite, reduced appetite, constipation, dry mouth, and stomach pain.
• More serious and less common side effects from taking Nexium include liver problems, fatigue, chest pain, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, kidney problems, bruising, bleeding, sore throat, and severe abdominal pain.
• Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to Nexium, which could include symptoms of rashes, dizziness, itching, and swelling. If you are experiencing swelling of the throat, mouth, or tongue that makes it difficult to breathe, seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Two recent studies have found that Nexium has a significant link with the bacterial infection Clostridium difficile, a difficult-to-treat and serious medical issue that leads to severe diarrhea. Some cases of the infection can require the removal of the colon and some cases lead to the death of the patient.
• Another study, which looked at over 100,000 women who had taken proton pump inhibitors over a number of years, found that Nexium is linked to an increased risk of broken bones, bone fractures, and bone density issues. This leads many to believe that Nexium may prohibit the body from absorbing calcium correctly.

While some of these more minor side effects are worth the benefit of the drug, others are life-threatening and extremely serious medical problems. If you have experienced any serious side effects after taking Nexium or another similar proton pump inhibitor, speak with your doctor immediately. If you have suffered a serious side effect such as bone density issues, spinal fractures, or other broken bones, you may wish to speak with a Texas defective drug attorney about a possible products liability lawsuit.