Brand Names: Nexium

Generic Name: esomeprazole (Pronunciation: ee so MEP ra zol)

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

What is esomeprazole (Nexium)?

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

Nexium 20 mg

purple, imprinted with 20 mg

Nexium 40 mg

purple, imprinted with 40 mg

What are the possible side effects of esomeprazole (Nexium)?

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

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to esomeprazole or to any other benzimidazole medication such as albendazole (Albenza), or mebendazole (Vermox).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease or any type of heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of esomeprazole and antibiotics. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

Do not crush, break, or open a delayed-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.