What Is Nexium?
Nexium is a drug prescribed to treat heartburn. This medication belongs to a group of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors. Nexium decreases the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach and is used to treat various conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux disease. Some of the drugs most serious side effects include:
- Acute interstitial nephritis
- Nephritis (kidney inflammation)
- Kidney failure
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Bone fractures
- Low magnesium levels
- Tetany (muscle spasm)
- Infections
- Arrhythmia and heart problems
- Seizures
Studies Link Nexium and Kidney Disease
In January 2016, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found a 20-50% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease associated with some of the most popular heartburn drugs on the market. People who used these drugs twice a day were 46% more likely to develop Kidney Disease, and once-daily users had a 15% higher risk. Conclusions were based on data from 10,500 patients who used these drugs between 1996 and 2011.