Drug Name

Nexium (Esomeprazole)

Drug Uses

Nexium decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Nexium is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).
Nexium may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

How to use

Use Nexium as directed by your doctor.

• Take Nexium by mouth with or without food.
• Take it around the same time every day.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store Nexium at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Nexium out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Nexium if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Nexium or to similar medicines (e.g., omeprazole);
• you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (e.g., atazanavir).

• Nexium may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Nexium with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing.
• Nexium may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Esomeprazole.
• Nexium should be used with caution in Asian patients; the risk of side effects may be increased in these patients.
• Nexium should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nexium while you are pregnant. It is not known if Nexium is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Nexium.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; dry mouth; gas; headache; nausea; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; stomach pain.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness.

More Information

Nexium is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.