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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