ESOFAG-D (NEXIUM) INDICATIONS
Esofag-d relieves heartburn and other symptoms caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the canal to the stomach (the esophagus)—a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also indicated to heal the damage (erosive esophagitis) that reflux disease can cause.
Prescribed in combination with the antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin, Esofag-d is also used to treat the infection that causes most duodenal ulcers (ulcers occurring just beyond the exit from the stomach).
Esofag-d works by reducing the production of stomach acid.
ESOFAG-D (NEXIUM) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Esofag-d as directed by your doctor.
- Take Esofag-d at least one hour before meals.
- Be careful to swallow it whole. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the capsule and carefully pour the pellets onto one tablespoon of applesauce. The applesauce should not be hot. Mix in the pellets, then swallow the applesauce immediately, without chewing.
- If you miss a dose of Esofag-d, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Esofag-d.
ESOFAG-D (NEXIUM) STORAGE
Store Esofag-d at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Esofag-d out of the reach of children and away from pets.
ESOFAG-D (NEXIUM) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient: Esomeprazole magnesium.
Do NOT use Esofag-d if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Esofag-d or to similar medicines (eg, omeprazole)
- you are taking certain HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, nelfinavir).
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Esofag-d. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have liver problems or stomach or bowel cancer.
Some medicines may interact with Esofag-d. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Voriconazole because it may increase the risk of Esofag-d's side effects
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cilostazol, digoxin, or saquinavir because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Esofag-d.
- Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), clopidogrel, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, nelfinavir), or iron because their effectiveness may be decreased by Esofag-d.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Esofag-d may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Esofag-d may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Esofag-d with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if you experience throat pain, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing.
- Esofag-d may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Esofag-d.
- Esofag-d should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Esofag-d while you are pregnant. It is not known if Esofag-d is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Esofag-d.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dry mouth; gas; headache; nausea; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; stomach pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.