The discomfort of heartburn may be very painful and aggravating. Is it worth taking a prescribed purple pill known as Nexium? Nexium reduces the symptoms of heartburn but may be doing more harm than good. The purple pill works by stopping stomach wall enzymes in producing acid. This is a good thing for reducing heartburn but the other effects of Nexium may be dangerous. The drug gradually prevents the body from absorbing essential nutrients such as calcium. A lack of calcium leads to weaker bones and a higher risk of getting hip fractures. The pain of heartburn does not outweigh the risk or the pain of a bone fracture reconsider taking Nexium.
Nexium does not help with the presence of other serious stomach conditions. It might even increase your chance of having severe diarreha.It also has been reported to cause headaches and nausea. Nexium is prescribed to treat the serious symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux. This typically includes heartburn that lasts for more than 2 days a week. Nexium is also prescribed to heal esophagus pain called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus.
Nexium has been known to create side effects including; spine, hip and wrist fractures which has gotten lawyers attention. Lawyers have been evaluating these different fractures that occur for potential bone fracture lawsuits. High doses of Nexium can cause serious bone injuries to individuals over the age 50. After a study was conducted about Nexium and bone strength; the result was that long term users of the drug have a 44% higher chance of getting hip fractures especially in those over 50.
Along with spine, hip and wrist fractures Nexium has also been known to cause congenital fetal malformations, miscarriage, hypocephalus and anencephaly. If you are pregnant it is not recommended that you take Nexium. Also, muscle cramps, bone breakage, loss of body coordination, brittle nails and shortness of breath have also been reported. By May 2010, the FDA made it mandatory for Nexium and other drug companies to have a warning about bone fractures.
Heartburn can be severely uncomfortable and sometimes medication is needed. If the over the counter medicines such as Tums or Pepto Bismol is not working consider all of your options. If you are over the age of 50 consider the fact that Nexium can cause your bones to be weaker resulting in bone fractures. Heartburn is painful but a hip fracture is way more serious. If you are affected by this drug talk to an expert immediately.
Originally posted 2013-04-10 08:53:04.