Are Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid the answer?

Prescription antacids such as Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid are designed to reduce the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as Acid Reflux Disease or heartburn. This painful condition occurs when stomach acids are forced up into the esophagus, throat, or mouth literally causing burning. Repeated incidents can eventually lead to extensive damage including Barrett's Esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition due to extensive burning and scarring the esophageal tissue.

Scientists don't seem to be able to agree how many Americans are affected by GERD. Part of the problem may be that this condition is a matter of degree – heartburn is a symptom of GERD, but there is no magic number indicating how frequently a patient has to have heartburn before they are diagnosed with GERD. According to HelpHeartburn.com, 7% of Americans suffer from "GERD-type symptoms" daily, and 40% monthly. AstraZeneca, the maker of Nexium, quotes a 1994 National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that states seven million Americans suffer from the disease. They claim that only your doctor can determine whether you have GERD.

However, in 2006 there were over 30 million prescriptions for Nexium alone. That drug was the year’s number 2 seller by sales at over $5.1 billion. Despite the fact that the manufacturer itself states you should only take Nexium for four to eight weeks, many people have been taking it consecutively for years.

The problem is that doctors are not afraid of prescribing drugs like Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec because they are seen as "safe" drugs. Anyone with "GERD-type symptoms" could ask for and probably receive a prescription because of a lack of awareness of the real and sometimes dangerous side effects of the drugs. A 2006 research study found that elderly patients who take these drugs are at greater risk of hip fracture – and 20% of those die within one year of their injuries. But you won't see the drug manufacturers or even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) warning the public about these "possible" side effects until months or perhaps years after scientists see the first warning signs.

The fact is, most cases of "GERD-type symptoms" can be controlled without drugs. Excessive weight and obesity, certain foods like chocolate and caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, eating shortly before bed, overeating (e.g. "stuffing" yourself at dinner), and other health factors can determine your risk factors for heartburn. America's growing waistline can account for most of this rise in GERD-type symptoms.

Some people truly do have a medical problem that may only be controlled by Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, or some other prescription drug. And the drug companies are most certainly happy to help. But what they won't tell you is that there are more side effects than you know, and the side effects may be wider spread than thought. And they certainly won't tell you that most people in America can actually control their symptoms without needing to take a little pill of any color.

You may believe that we are too much a "drug society" that looks to the pharmaceutical companies for every source of relief. Or, you may believe that we live in a privileged era when the secrets of science are helping us live longer, happier lives. But no matter what you believe, most people would agree that doctors and patients should know the full side effects and risks associated with drugs like Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec before they start to take them. The fact that this simply is not the case is a strong indication of the negligence and in some cases outright fraud that is being committed by the pharmaceutical industry – and many Americans are paying for that negligence with their health and their lives.

If you or someone you love has been injured by Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, or any other prescription drug, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a complete and free case evaluation. We may be able to help you get a fair settlement to cover your unnecessary medical bills, lost wages, and other monetary losses connected with your injuries, as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact a Jim S. Adler & Associates personal injury attorney by calling one of our legal professionals directly, or fill out the form on this page with the details of your Nexium, Prevacid, or Prilosec-related injury.

 

Additionally, Jim S. Adler & Associates has offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887;  San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237; and Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas).

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