Nexium

Nexium is part of a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is one of the most widely used medications in the United States for stomach acid-related conditions. Many people refer to it as “the purple pill.”

Esomeprazole is the active ingredient in all versions of Nexium. Its chemical composition is almost identical to that of omeprazole, the active ingredient in Prilosec. Some studies show esomeprazole is slightly more effective at controlling stomach acid than omeprazole.

Nexium treats serious stomach acid-related conditions in adults and children older than one year of age. Prescription Nexium also may allow the esophagus to heal in adults with serious GERD, prevent stomach ulcers in people who take NSAIDs and treat, as well as prevent, stomach ulcers that bacteria can cause.

People who experience heartburn more than two days a week can take OTC Nexium to relieve their symptoms. The medication is not a treatment for sudden heartburn, but it can help control acid problems for up to 24 hours when taken regularly. It may take up to four days for the drug to take effect.

Most people with a Nexium prescription can take it once a day, although some people can take two doses a day. Over-the-counter versions of the drug should be taken once a day for up to 14 days every four months. The best time to take Nexium is at least one hour before eating.

Take Nexium capsules whole. Don’t crush or split pills. If you cannot swallow a whole capsule, you can mix the contents into a tablespoon of applesauce and eat that.

Give a mixture two to three minutes to thicken, then drink all the liquid within 30 minutes.

You can also take Nexium through an orogastric or nasogastric tube. If this is how you take it, get specific directions from your healthcare provider and follow them.

Nexium Overdose

You can overdose on Nexium if you ingest large quantities at one time. Don’t take more than 80 mg per day (the maximum recommended dose) unless a healthcare professional directs you to do so.

If someone you know overdoses on Nexium or falls unconscious after taking it, has seizures or has difficulty breathing, call 911 for emergency treatment. You can also call the poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or visit https://www.poisonhelp.org/help for more information on how to avoid serious complications.

The most common Nexium side effects include headache and nausea. Serious side effects include kidney damage and bone fractures. Thousands of people have filed Nexium lawsuits after they took Nexium and later developed kidney disease. According to lawsuits, AstraZeneca knew the drug could cause kidney problems but failed to warn the public.

Infants who take Nexium may experience abnormal liver enzymes, rapid breathing and regurgitation. Children who take Nexium may get drowsy.

Nexium may cause other side effects beyond those listed here. Contact your doctor if you experience after-effects that interfere with your quality of life or that do not go away.

Serious Side Effects of Nexium

While most people tolerate Nexium well, some people experience severe side effects from the medication.

Nexium increases the risk of developing cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). People with either disease may see their condition worsen if they take Nexium.

The drug also increases the likelihood of developing bone fractures.

Some people who took Nexium reported blurred vision, hepatitis and autoimmune issues after taking it. People reported these side effects outside the scope of clinical trials, so scientists can’t verify a link to the drug.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects after taking Nexium.

Nexium may not be safe and helpful for everyone. Consult your doctor about Nexium before taking an over-the-counter version of the medication if you have any conditions or take medications that may result in adverse interactions.

Before taking Nexium, tell your doctors:

Ask about Nexium and other PPIs and about how your medical history might impact their effectiveness for you.

Drug interactions can affect how Nexium and other medications perform. Some studies suggest taking PPIs with aspirin may weaken aspirin’s effectiveness.

A study in the European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy examined medical records of 1,288 elderly people who had multiple drug prescriptions. In that group, 65% of people who had an esomeprazole prescription also had a prescription for at least one of 18 other medications that could cause a severe negative interaction.

A 2022 medical literature review published in Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology also found that esomeprazole may strongly inhibit the cytochrome CYP2C19. This may reduce your body’s ability to metabolize certain medications, including antidepressants, antifungals, antiplatelet drugs and anticancer compounds.

To avoid problematic drug interactions with Nexium, tell your doctor about all the medications you take before you start a dose of Nexium. You can find a list of potential drug interactions on Nexium’s prescribing information.

You should not stop taking prescription Nexium without speaking to your medical provider. Stopping your medication suddenly may lead to Nexium withdrawal symptoms and could make your stomach problems worse.

Many Nexium side effects are mild and may go away after your body gets used to the medication. If you experience a serious side effect like an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help immediately.

If you want to stop taking Nexium, discuss your treatment goals with your doctor. Ask about alternatives to PPIs that might help you, such as H2 blockers, antacids or lifestyle changes. You may need to see your doctor several times to taper your Nexium dose before stopping it entirely.

The FDA released several warnings about Nexium’s side effects and contraindications, which were added to the warnings and precautions section of Nexium’s drug label.

Among the most recent:

Past warnings about Nexium have included potential increased risks of low magnesium levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Warnings about rare, but serious possible increased risks have included bone fractures, acute interstitial nephritis, new or worsening lupus and potential fetal harm.

Most people who take Nexium tolerate it well and experience mild side effects, if any. Like all medications, it carries some risks. For some, the benefits of taking it outweigh these risks.

Talk to your doctors about whether Nexium is safe for you. They can evaluate your pre-existing health conditions and any recent changes to your health and weigh those against your current medications.