Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Possible NEXIUM side effects include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Relief of symptoms with NEXIUM does not rule out the existence of other serious stomach conditions.

There is a possibility that NEXIUM may interact with other medications that you're taking. Be sure to consult your doctor concerning your specific treatment, and remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

If you have any questions about your treatment with NEXIUM, talk with your doctor.

If a doctor has prescribed NEXIUM for your child's acid reflux disease, here are a few key facts you'll want to know.

  • For children ages 1 to 17 years, NEXIUM is approved for the following.
    • The short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) for the symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as heartburn, and
    • The healing of damage in the lining of the esophagus that may be caused over time by acid reflux. Only your child's doctor can diagnose this condition, called erosive esophagitis (learn how damage can happen)
  • NEXIUM is a once-daily treatment
  • NEXIUM is available as a capsule or oral suspension (a mix for liquid)
  • In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.
  • Symptom relief does not rule out the existence of other serious stomach conditions.
  • As with any medicine, there is a possibility NEXIUM may interact with other medicines your child is taking. Remember to tell your child's doctor or pharmacist all of the medicines—both prescription and nonprescription—your child takes.
  • Follow these basic safety rules when giving your child NEXIUM.
    • Use NEXIUM exactly as your child's doctor has directed
    • Do not use NEXIUM to treat any other medical conditions unless instructed by your child's doctor
    • Never share your child's NEXIUM with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
    • Keep NEXIUM and all medicines out of the reach of children

What other safety information should I know about NEXIUM?

Before taking NEXIUM, tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinivir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cilostazol, or warfarin.

It's important to take NEXIUM exactly as your doctor has directed. By following these steps, you can make the most of your treatment with NEXIUM.

  • Take NEXIUM at least 1 hour before a meal
  • Take NEXIUM at the same time every day
  • Swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or crush them. If swallowing capsules is difficult for you, empty a capsule into a tablespoon of applesauce—and swallow it right away. (Do not store it for later use, and do not chew or crush the pellets)
  • If you miss a dose, continue to take NEXIUM as directed, and consult with your doctor
  • If you take NEXIUM Delayed-Release oral suspension
    • Empty the contents of a packet into the container with 1 tablespoon of water
    • Stir
    • Leave 2 to 3 minutes to thicken
    • Stir and drink within 30 minutes
    • If any medicine remains after drinking, add more water, stir, and drink right away

Do not use NEXIUM to treat any other medical conditions unless instructed by your doctor. Never share NEXIUM with anyone else.

This is not a complete summary of safety information about NEXIUM. Please read the Important Product Information below and discuss it with your doctor. Remember, if you have any questions about your treatment with NEXIUM, talk with your doctor.

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Important Safety Information About NEXIUM

In adults 18 and older, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Before taking NEXIUM, tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinivir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cilostazol, or warfarin.

Approved Uses for NEXIUM

NEXIUM is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.

For many people, NEXIUM is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. With NEXIUM, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and discuss it with your doctor or health care professional.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.