Why is Nexium prescribed?

Esomeprazole (Nexium) is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Nexium works by decreasing the amount of acid made in your stomach. Esomeprazole (Nexium) is used to treat your esophagus, the area between your throat and stomach that has become irritated, painful, and swollen from too much acid in your stomach.

Nexium is used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and other conditions in which the stomach makes too much acid. Esomeprazole (Nexium) also is used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers.

Nexium is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Nexium information.

How should Nexium be used?

Esomeprazole (Nexium) comes as delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. For inflamed esophagus and other conditions in which the stomach makes too much acid, one Nexium capsule is usually taken once a day for 4 to 8 weeks. Nexium may be used for up to 6 months after your symptoms have improved.

For ulcers, one Nexium capsule is usually taken in combination with antibiotics once a day for 10 days.

Esomeprazole (Nexium) should be swallowed whole and taken at least 1 hour before meals. Esomeprazole (Nexium) may be taken with water, orange juice, apple juice, or yogurt.

If you cannot swallow the Nexium capsule, add one tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce to an empty bowl, open one Esomeprazole (Nexium) capsule, and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the Nexium pellets with the applesauce and swallow the entire tablespoonful of applesauce and Esomeprazole (Nexium) pellets immediately. Do not chew the Nexium pellets in the applesauce and do not save the Nexium pellets and applesauce for another dose.

Follow the Nexium directions on your Nexium prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Esomeprazole (Nexium) exactly as directed. Do not use more or less Nexium or use Nexium more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking Esomeprazole (Nexium) for your esophagus and other conditions in which the stomach makes too much acid, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your Nexium symptoms continue, or if they worsen, call your doctor. Your doctor may continue Nexium treatment for another 4 to 8 weeks.

If you are taking Esomeprazole (Nexium) for your ulcer, your symptoms should improve within 10 days. If ulcer symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, call your doctor.

Do not stop taking Esomeprazole (Nexium) without talking to your doctor.

What special Nexium precautions should I follow?

Before using Esomeprazole (Nexium),

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially iron supplements or vitamins that contain iron, ketoconazole (Nizoral), digoxin (Lanoxin), and herbal products.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Esomeprazole (Nexium), call your doctor immediately.

What special Nexium dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about your diet. Some foods and beverages can make your Nexium symptoms worse. Your doctor can tell you which foods you should avoid or eat only in small quantities.

What should I do if I forget a Nexium dose?

Take the missed Nexium dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Nexium dose, skip the missed Nexium dose and continue your regular Nexium dosing schedule. Do not take a double Nexium dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Nexium cause?

Side effects from Esomeprazole (Nexium) can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Nexium symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• flatulence (gas)
• stomach pain
• constipation
• dry mouth
• change in taste

If you experience any of the following Nexium symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• confusion
• drowsiness
• blurred vision
• rapid heartbeat
• sweating
• flushing

What storage conditions are needed for Nexium?

Keep Nexium in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Nexium at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Nexium that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Nexium.

In case of Nexium emergency/overdose

In case of Nexium overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other Nexium information should I know?

It is important to know that if your Nexium symptoms do not improve you could have a more serious condition that should be treated by your doctor. Do not continue taking Esomeprazole (Nexium) for a longer period of time without talking to your doctor.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain diagnostic tests to check your response to Esomeprazole (Nexium).

Do not let anyone else take your Nexium. Ask your pharmacist any Nexium questions you have about refilling your Nexium prescription.