Information About Nexium

Common uses
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux. It may be used in combination with two antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and duodenal ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: cilostazol, diazepam, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, or vitamins with iron. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have liver disease. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Nexium.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Nexium. Swallow whole do not chew, or crush the capsule. Take Nexium at least 1 hour before a meal, unless otherwise directed by your physician. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Mix the medicine with the applesauce and swallow immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to swallow without chewing. Discard any uneaten applesauce/medicine mixture. Nexium may be taken with antacids if your physician has instructed you to take antacids. Store Nexium at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Should you skip or forget a dose of Nexium, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Nexium during pregnancy. It is unknown if Nexium is excreted in breast-milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Nexium, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include headache, constipation, cough, or diarrhea. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Contact your physician immediately if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or coffee-ground vomit. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, excessive sweating, flushing, headache, and dry mouth.

Additional information
If you are taking Nexium for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your physician. Do not let anyone else use Nexium. Do not take Nexium to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Nexium for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.