The nationwide law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP has filed a Nexium lawsuit on behalf of an Illinois resident who allegedly developed kidney disease due to his use of the “little purple pill.” The complaint, which is currently pending in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, accuses the drug’s manufacturers of failing to warn patients of the purported link between Nexium and serious renal complications. (Case No. 16-04801)
According to the August 26th filing, George Mullen was prescribed the proton pump inhibitor on several occasions starting in September 2006 through September 2013. In 2008, he suffered chronic kidney disease while taking Nexium. The complaint asserts that Mr. Mullen read and followed the directions regarding the use of Nexium and would not have used the medication had he been properly apprised of its risks
The lawsuit cites a number of recent studies that have linked proton pump inhibitors to the development of serious kidney complications. The complaint further alleges that AstraZeneca has received numerous reports of kidney injuries in patients who have taken Nexium, including cases of:
Mr. Mullen also notes that numerous, safer alternatives to proton pump inhibitors are available. These alternatives, which include over-the-counter remedies like Tums and Maalox, as well as H-2 Blockers, like Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet, have not been associated with an increased risk of renal injuries.
“In omitting, concealing, and inadequately providing critical safety information regarding the use of NEXIUM to Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s doctors in order to induce its purchase, prescription and use, Defendants engaged in and continue to engage in conduct likely to mislead consumers including Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s doctors, “ the complaint asserts. “This conduct is fraudulent, unfair, and unlawful.”
Daniel Burke, a partner with Bernstein Liebhard LLP, recently told Bloomberg Law that his firm has received hundreds of inquiries from individuals who allegedly developed kidney complications following treatment with Nexium or another proton pump inhibitor. Other law firms around the country are also investigating potential claims, and Mr. Burke predicted that a federal multidistrict litigation or other coordinated proceeding could eventually be established to handle these types of cases.
In recent months, at least four additional Nexium lawsuits that put forth similar allegations have been filed in New Jersey federal court.