How Effective is Nexium & What are It’s Side Effects?

Read the Nexium (esomeprazole) medication guide handed and the patient information leaflet if available before beginning to use Nexium. Adhere to the instructions given on the labels. Inform the medical practitioners available in case of any other complications and allergies you may be suffering from and medications that you are on.

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor which works effectively to curb the number of acids released in the stomach and esophagus related complications such as acid reflux.

Nexium is used to effectively treat symptoms of excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and as well symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It also releases symptoms such as heartburn, swallowing difficulty and persistent cough. It is not for the immediate release of heartburn though.

Nexium medication helps to effectively heal the acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, prevention of ulcers and prevention of the cancer of the esophagus.

Nexium medicine is not to give instant heart burn relief.

If you have any allergic reactions to esomeprazole or medicines similar to it like rabeprazole (AcipHex), pantoprazole (Protonix), Omeprazole (zegerid, prilosec), or lansoprazole (prevacid), do not take Nexium medicine.

Lot of people get confused on heart burn to first symptom of heart attack. If you experience any pain spreading to the shoulder or arm, heavy feeling or chest pain, sweating, nausea or general ill feeling, get immediate medical assistance.

You must tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions to make Nexium medicine safe for you:

• Lupus
• Reduced magnesium levels in blood
• Low bone mineral density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis
• Severe liver disease

Taking Nexium medicine or similar proton pump inhibitor will increase the chances of bone fracture in spine, wrist or hip. In most cases of people who had taken Nexium medicine for long term or even those who had taken Nexium in high doses and also in people older than 50 years of age. However, it is not clear if the main cause of the fracture is Nexium.

If you are planning to become pregnant or pregnant at the time of treatment, inform your doctor as it is unknown if Nexium medicine will harm the unborn child.

You must inform your doctor if you are breast feeding your child as it is unknown if Nexium medicine passes through breast milk to the child.

Follow the instructions given at the hospital and which are at the label on the bottle.

Take medicine by mouth as directed by the doctor, mostly once in a day and about an hour before a meal. The Nexium dosage and length of Nexium treatment are mainly based on the condition that is being treated. The duration is usually 4 to 8 weeks. Do not overdose Nexium or self-prescribe for yourself a dosage.

Do not crush or chew the Nexium medicine. Swallow the capsules full but if having difficulty in swallowing make a point of sprinkling the contents into a tablespoon of unheated applesauce which you will consume immediately.

If required, you may take antacids alongside Nexium medicine.

Nexium medicine can also be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. Sprinkle the contents of an open capsule to a 60 mm syringe. Mix in 50 mm of water. Place the plunger into the syringe and then shake to mix. Ensure no granules are left on the tip of the needle. Stick the syringe to the NG tube and then empty its contents. Flush the tube with more water to water down the contents.

Use Nexium medication as often to get the required results. For the sake of remembering, take the pill the same time on a daily basis. Take medicine for the full length prescribed even if you may start feeling well.

If you are treating yourself with the over the counter bought drugs, do not take it for more than 14 days without getting the advice of the doctor.

Consult your doctor in the case the situation gets worse. The continuous taking of Nexium medicine for three years could lead to a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Talk to the doctor about the issue.

Taking a proton inhibitor such as Nexium can increase the chance of contracting bone fracture in the wrist, hip or spine. This result is due to the taking of Nexium medication for long periods of time, high doses or advanced in age.

In the case of any allergy towards Nexium, make a point of consulting the doctor. The allergies include hives, breathing difficulties and swelling of the face and other parts.

The more common side effects of the drug include; headaches, mild diarrhea, constipation/ slight abdominal pain and dry mouth.

Make a point of calling your doctor if you have any severe side effects of Nexium which include:

• Symptoms of low magnesium level (unusual/irregular/slow heartbeats, seizures)
• Lupus (rash on the neck and cheeks, worsening or new joint pain)
• Diarrhea and severe stomach pains
• Kidney issues- blood in urine or increased or lowered discharge.