Nexium

Nexium

     * Generic Name: esomeprazole magnesium
     * Brand Name: Nexium


     * What is esomeprazole?
     * What are the possible side effects of esomeprazole?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       esomeprazole?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       esomeprazole?
     * How should I take esomeprazole?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking esomeprazole?
     * What other drugs will affect esomeprazole?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is esomeprazole?

   Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount
   of acid produced in the stomach.

   Esomeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux
   disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach
   acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole is also used
   to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your
   esophagus caused by stomach acid).

   Esomeprazole 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).

   Esomeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

   Esomeprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of esomeprazole?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, and skin
       rash on your cheeks or arms (worsens in sunlight);
     * kidney problems--urinating more or less than usual, blood in your
       urine, swelling, rapid weight gain; or
     * low magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery,
       muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling.

   Taking esomeprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths
   called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache, drowsiness;
     * mild diarrhea;
     * nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation; or
     * dry mouth.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about esomeprazole?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Nexium Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Heartburn:Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

   Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the GERD Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking esomeprazole?

   Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get
   emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw
   or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to esomeprazole or
   to similar medicines such as lansoprazole (Prevacid),
   omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole
   (Protonix), or rabeprazole (AcipHex).

   Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * severe liver disease;
     * lupus;
     * osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia);
       or
     * low levels of magnesium in your blood.

   You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or
   spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor. Talk with your doctor about
   ways to keep your bones healthy.

   Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or
   breast-feeding.

How should I take esomeprazole?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

   This medicine is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. Your doctor may
   recommend a second course of treatment if you need additional healing
   time.

   Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

   Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal.

   Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

   If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the
   medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow the mixture
   right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

   The esomeprazole capsule can be given through a nasogastric
   (NG) feeding tube. Read and carefully follow any Instructions
   for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if
   you do not understand these instructions.

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your
   symptoms quickly improve.

   Taking esomeprazole long-term could cause you to develop a vitamin B-12
   deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition.

   Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse
   while you are taking this medicine.

   This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any
   doctor who treats you that you are using esomeprazole.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Nexium Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Heartburn:Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

   Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the GERD Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is
   almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking esomeprazole?

   This medicine can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
   infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your
   doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What other drugs will affect esomeprazole?

   Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
     * cilostazol;
     * clopidogrel;
     * diazepam;
     * digoxin;
     * erlotinib;
     * iron-containing medicines (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate,
       ferrous sulfate, and others);
     * methotrexate;
     * mycophenolate mofetil;
     * rifampin;
     * St. John's wort;
     * tacrolimus;
     * warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * antifungal medication--ketoconazole, voriconazole; or
     * HIV/AIDS medication--atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect esomeprazole.
   This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins,
   and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed
   here.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about esomeprazole.
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