About Acid Reflux Disease

Erosive Esophagitis (EE) Damage

Stomach acid is harsh, and the lining of your esophagus is delicate. That's why you may experience heartburn when acid backs up (refluxes) into your esophagus. If acid reflux continues without being treated, it can cause tissue damage over time in the lining of the esophagus, resulting in a condition called erosive esophagitis.

If erosive esophagitis is present, there can be breaks or erosions in the lining of the esophagus. EE is a potentially serious condition, but with treatment, the erosions can heal.

What you should know about erosive esophagitis

  • Only a doctor can tell if you have erosions in the esophagus and how serious they are. You can't tell solely by how you feel
  • Even if your heartburn pain is only mild, you could have acid reflux damage
  • Nexium can heal damage that acid reflux disease may cause. Most erosions in the esophagus heal in about 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with Nexium may vary. Learn more about how Nexium heals

Remember, only your doctor can determine if you have acid reflux disease or erosive esophagitis and prescribe an appropriate treatment. So make an appointment to talk with your doctor, and ask if Nexium may be right for you.

Learn how acid reflux can cause damage

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See how erosions in the esophagus can get worse over time.

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Experiencing nighttime heartburn symptoms? For many, one Nexium pill a day can provide 24-hour relief. Your results may vary.

Find out about managing heartburn symptoms

Fun FactOn average, the human stomach produces 2 liters of hydrochloric acid (HCI), mucus, and other substances daily.

Important Safety Information About NEXIUM

  • Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions
  • NEXIUM may increase your risk of getting severe diarrhea. Call your doctor right away if you have watery stool, stomach pain and fever that does not go away
  • Talk to your doctor about your risk for:
    • bone fractures if you take multiple daily doses of NEXIUM for a long period of time
    • low magnesium levels if you take NEXIUM for a long period of time
  • Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, prescription and non-prescription drugs, including clopidogrel, vitamins and herbal supplements. NEXIUM may affect how other medicines work and other medicines may affect how NEXIUM works.
  • Side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain

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 see Prescribing Information. PDF Icon
Please see Medication Guide. PDF Icon

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.