For years, Nexium and Prilosec have been two of the most commonly prescribed medications for acid reflux, heartburn, and other digestive issues. Many people took these drugs daily, following their doctor’s recommendations, without realizing they might come with a dangerous risk.
Now, studies show a disturbing connection—long-term use of Nexium and Prilosec has been linked to gastric cancer. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with stomach cancer after taking one of these medications for at least a year, you may have never been warned about the risks.
Pharmaceutical companies made billions marketing these drugs as safe, but they failed to tell the full story. People trusted these medications to relieve discomfort, only to face a much more serious health issue years later.
If you or a loved one has been affected, you are not alone. Here’s what you need to know about the risks, the lawsuits, and what can be done next.
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What Are Nexium and Prilosec?
Nexium (esomeprazole) and Prilosec (omeprazole) belong to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, helping people manage conditions such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stomach ulcers
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Erosive esophagitis
While these medications help control acid, they also disrupt the stomach’s natural balance, which can create new risks—ones many patients were never warned about.
How Do PPIs Increase the Risk of Gastric Cancer?
Stomach acid plays a vital role in digestion and protecting the body from harmful bacteria. When PPIs reduce acid for long periods, changes occur in the stomach’s environment that can lead to serious damage over time.
Here’s what researchers have found:
- Bacterial overgrowth: With less acid to fight off bacteria, harmful strains like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can thrive, increasing the risk of stomach inflammation and abnormal cell growth.
- Abnormal cell changes: PPIs can cause an overproduction of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates stomach acid. Over time, this may contribute to the growth of precancerous cells in the stomach lining.
- Long-term damage: A 2017 study published in Gut found that people who took PPIs for more than a year had a fivefold increase in gastric cancer risk. The longer someone used the medication, the higher their risk became.
These findings raise serious concerns about the safety of Nexium, Prilosec, and other PPIs when used long-term. Despite these risks, many patients continued taking these drugs for years without knowing what they could be facing.
Who Is at Risk?
People who used Nexium or Prilosec for a short period likely have little to worry about. But those who took these medications for a year or longer, especially at higher doses, could be at risk for stomach cancer.
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing gastric cancer after PPI use, including:
- Preexisting stomach issues like ulcers or chronic inflammation
- H. pylori infection, which can further damage stomach tissue
- Long-term PPI use, especially beyond two or three years
- High dosages, often prescribed for more severe acid reflux cases
If you or someone you love developed stomach cancer after prolonged Nexium or Prilosec use, the drug manufacturers may have failed to provide adequate warnings.
Symptoms of Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer can develop over time, often with symptoms that seem mild at first. Many people dismiss the warning signs as common stomach problems, leading to a later diagnosis when the disease has already advanced.
Common symptoms include:
- Ongoing stomach pain or discomfort
- Frequent nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blood in the stool
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms after prolonged Nexium or Prilosec use, it’s essential to speak with a doctor. Early detection can make a difference in treatment outcomes.
Why Are People Filing Lawsuits?
People diagnosed with gastric cancer after using Nexium or Prilosec for a year or more are now taking legal action against the drug manufacturers. These lawsuits claim that:
- The pharmaceutical companies knew or should have known about the risks.
- They failed to warn doctors and patients about the potential for long-term harm.
- Safer alternatives were available, but PPIs were aggressively marketed as the best treatment.
- Many people stayed on these medications for years without realizing the risks.
Had these warnings been provided sooner, patients may have chosen different treatment options or undergone regular screenings to catch cancer at an earlier stage. Instead, many have been left dealing with life-altering consequences.
What Compensation Could Be Available?
People who file lawsuits may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses for cancer treatments, hospital stays, and ongoing care
- Lost wages due to time off work or long-term disability
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis
- Funeral costs and wrongful death claims for families who lost a loved one
Holding pharmaceutical companies accountable is about more than financial compensation—it’s about ensuring that others are warned of the risks so they can make informed choices about their health.
How Injury Claims Can Help
At Injury Claims, we connect individuals and families with attorneys who understand the complexities of pharmaceutical lawsuits. Our legal partners are working to hold drug manufacturers accountable and help those affected by long-term Nexium and Prilosec use.
If you or a loved one took Nexium or Prilosec for a year or more and were later diagnosed with gastric cancer, you may have legal options.
Take the first step – Fill out our form for a FREE case review today!
