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Generic Name: esomeprazole (ee so MEP ra zol)
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. Nexium 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).
| What is the most important information I should know about Nexium? |
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Do not stop taking Nexium even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. |
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Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the body. |
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Nexium decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. |
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Nexium is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), erosive esophagitis, and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production. |
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Nexium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
| Who should not take Nexium? |
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Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease. You may not be able to take Nexium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. |
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Nexium is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Nexium without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
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It is not known whether Nexium passes into breast milk. Do not take Nexium without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
| How should I take Nexium? |
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Take Nexium exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. |
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Nexium should be taken at least one hour before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions. |
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Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the body. |
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If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce can be added to an empty bowl and the Nexium capsule can be opened, and the pellets inside the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/applesauce mixture should not be stored for later use. |
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Do not stop taking Nexium even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. |
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Store Nexium at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
| What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
| What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of an Nexium overdose include drowsiness, shortness of breath, tremor, loss of coordination, and seizures. |
| What should I avoid while taking Nexium? |
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There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Nexium, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
| What are the possible side effects of Nexium? |
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If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking Nexium and seek emergency medical attention. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Nexium and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, or constipation; or |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
| What other drugs will affect Nexium? |
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Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: |
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digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); |
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itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or |
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iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others). |
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You may not be able to take Nexium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Nexium. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. |
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