This medicine 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 doctor.
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Nexium®
How NEXIUM® Works
Each acid-producing cell contains millions of acid pumps. NEXIUM works by decreasing the acid produced by these acid pumps. As you can see in this drawing, NEXIUM turns off (deactivates) some of the pumps to keep acid production under control. By reducing acid production in the stomach, NEXIUM reduces the chance of acid backing up into the esophagus and causing reflux symptoms.
How do I take NEXIUM®?
Your healthcare professional will tell you how and when to take NEXIUM. NEXIUM is available as a capsule, which comes in different dosage strengths. Your healthcare professional will prescribe the dose that is right for you.
Taking NEXIUM should be part of your usual routine so that you do not forget to take it. NEXIUM capsules should be taken before meals and swallowed whole (the capsules should never be chewed or crushed). If you have a hard time swallowing capsules, you can empty a capsule into a tablespoon of applesauce. The applesauce should be eaten right away and never stored for later use. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed.
Do not use NEXIUM to treat any other medical conditions unless instructed by your healthcare professional. Never share NEXIUM with anyone else - it has been prescribed for you!
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of NEXIUM®?
If you miss a dose, continue taking Nexium as directed and consult with your healthcare professional.
Are there any side effects caused by NEXIUM®?
NEXIUM can cause side effects. Some of these side effects are minor and usually do not require you to stop taking the medicine. Others may be more serious.
The most common side effects are:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pains
Other serious stomach conditions may still exist. For a complete listing of all the side effects that have been reported with the use of NEXIUM, ask your healthcare professional to talk to you about the full important product information about Nexium.
How should I store NEXIUM®?
Keep NEXIUM out of the reach of children and always replace the bottle cap after use. Leave NEXIUM in the original package and protect the medicine from sunlight and moisture. Store NEXIUM at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F or between 15°C and 30°C).
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