Nexium FAQs
Considering Nexium? The information below may help answer
some of your questions.
What does Nexium do?
Why is Nexium called the "Healing Purple
Pill"?
How does Nexium work?
Who can prescribe Nexium?
Is Nexium affordable?
Is Nexium easy to take?
What are the possible side effects of Nexium?
How might Nexium interact with other
medicines I'm taking?
Does Nexium contain gluten?
Are you taking Nexium? The information below may help answer
some of your questions.
How should I take Nexium?
What should I do if I miss a dose of Nexium?
How should I store Nexium?
What is the recommended adult dose for Nexium?
Nexium cost and your prescription drug coverage
What if Nexium is not on my plan's list
of covered prescription medications?
If I have 2 insurance cards, which one should I use to find out
information about my Nexium coverage and out-of-pocket
costs?
Why might my co-pay/coinsurance for Nexium
have changed?
What if I don't have health or prescription drug coverage?
FAQs about the NEXIUM Savings Card
How does the NEXIUM Savings Card work at my pharmacy?
How do I know if my insurance covers a 60-day or 90-day prescription at my retail pharmacy?
Who is eligible for the NEXIUM Savings Card?
Who is not eligible for the NEXIUM Savings Card?
How does the NEXIUM Savings Card work if I’m a mail-order customer?
Can I mail my retail Savings Card in with my mail-order prescription?
How long can I use the Savings Card?
What are the eligibility requirements?
What if I am enrolled in a government, state, or federally funded
prescription benefit program?
Do I need my card every time I get my prescription refilled at
the pharmacy?
What happens if I lose my card?
Can I switch pharmacies at any time with the card?
What if I’m currently using an old savings card?
Want to know more about acid reflux disease? The information below may help answer
some of your questions.
What is acid reflux disease?
What are the symptoms of acid reflux disease?
Is acid reflux disease serious?
How can I know if I have damage from acid reflux disease?
How is acid reflux disease treated?
What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease?
What causes acid reflux disease?
What foods trigger acid reflux?
What does Nexium do?
Nexium can both relieve persistent heartburn and
other symptoms of acid reflux disease and also heal possible damage to the esophagus
that acid reflux can cause over time. Only a doctor can determine if you have this
damage, which is called erosive esophagitis. For many people, 1 Nexium
pill a day provides 24-hour relief from symptoms due to acid reflux disease. Nexium can also heal possible damage from acid reflux within
4 to 8 weeks. Your results with Nexium may vary.
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Why is Nexium called the "Healing Purple Pill"?
Over time, untreated acid reflux can cause breaks or erosions in the lining of the
esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this damage, which is called erosive esophagitis.
Nexium can heal those erosions; that's why it's called
the Healing Purple Pill. Most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with Nexium may vary.
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How does Nexium work?
Nexium turns off many of the "acid pumps" in the stomach's
acid-producing cells. This reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.
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Who can prescribe Nexium?
Doctors, and in many states nurse practitioners and physician's assistants, can
prescribe medications. These qualified professionals can also determine whether
Nexium is right for you.
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Is Nexium affordable?
- With the NEXIUM Savings Card, you may be eligible to save†
- If you have prescription coverage and your co-pay is more than $18, you may receive
up to $50 in savings on each fill for Nexium (up to 12
fills)
- If you do not have prescription coverage, AstraZeneca will cover the
first $50 of your out-of-pocket cost each time you fill your Nexium
prescription (up to 12 fills)
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Is Nexium easy to take?
People take Nexium just once a day to treat acid reflux
disease. It should be taken at least 1 hour before a meal and at the same time every
day. If your doctor prescribes Nexium for you, take it
as he or she directs.
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What are the possible side effects of Nexium?
- 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
In adults 18 and older, side effects of Nexium include
headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects of Nexium
include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.
Please consult the full Prescribing Information to read more about possible side
effects.
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How might Nexium interact with other medicines I'm taking?
NEXIUM may affect how other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how NEXIUM
works. Remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the non-prescription
and prescription medications you're taking, such as any vitamins or herbal supplements
or drugs such as clopidogrel, Coumadin® (warfarin sodium), Pletal®
(cilostazol), certain HIV medications (such as atazanavir, nelfinavir, or saquinavir),
and drugs where gastric pH is important (such as ketoconazole, iron salts, and digoxin).‡
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Does Nexium contain gluten?
Gluten is not listed as an ingredient in the Nexium Prescribing
Information.
Since AstraZeneca does not manufacture the raw materials used in its drug products
and since suppliers may periodically change, lack of contact with gluten or use
of gluten during the manufacturing process cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, AstraZeneca
cannot guarantee that Nexium is gluten-free.
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How should I take Nexium?
Your doctor will tell you how and when to take Nexium.
Nexium is most commonly prescribed as a capsule that comes
in different dosage strengths.
- 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 you have a hard time swallowing
capsules, you can empty a capsule into a tablespoon of applesauce and swallow it
right away (do not store the applesauce for later use, and do not chew or crush
the pellets)
- If you take Nexium Delayed-Release Oral Suspension
- Empty the contents of a packet into a 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
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What should I do if I miss a dose of Nexium?
If you miss or forget to take a dose, continue taking Nexium
as directed and consult your doctor.
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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 59ºF and 86ºF or between
15ºC and 30ºC).
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What is the recommended adult dose for Nexium?
Your doctor will prescribe the dose that's right for you. Twenty milligrams once
daily is a common prescription for patients with acid reflux disease. For patients
with acid reflux disease and erosive esophagitis (EE), 20 mg or 40 mg once daily
may be prescribed.
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What if Nexium is not on my plan's list of covered prescription
medications?
Nexium is available to most people who receive prescription
drug coverage through an employer, Medicaid, Medicare, or their state prescription
drug program. However, some plans may have special rules or set limits on how you
get your medications. If this is true for your plan, you can either pay full price
for the prescription or ask your plan administrator for what is called an exception.
If you find that Nexium is not on your plan's list of covered
prescription medications, you can contact your plan administrator to ask why. Your
plan should have a toll-free phone number you can call to get this information.
The toll-free number should be listed on your plan ID card. Because some people
have separate ID cards for their medical and prescription drug coverage, it is important
to refer to the ID card that you present at the pharmacy when you get your prescription
filled.
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If I have 2 insurance cards, which one should I use to find out information about
my Nexium coverage and out-of-pocket costs?
Some people have different plan ID cards for their medical coverage and for their
prescription drug coverage. Usually, this is because the prescription drug coverage
has been purchased from an insurance provider that is different than the one providing
medical coverage. Because Nexium is covered through prescription
drug coverage and not medical coverage, you should refer to the plan ID card that
you present at the pharmacy.
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Why might my co-pay/coinsurance for Nexium have changed?
The amount of your co-pay or coinsurance is determined by your plan and what formulary
tier or level Nexium is on within that plan. Typically,
a lower tier will have a lower cost, while a higher tier will have a higher cost.
Your plan administrator will be able to give you detailed information about your
prescription medication costs and the reasons for any changes to your out-of-pocket
costs. If you get your prescription drug coverage through your employer, your human
resources or benefits manager may also be able to answer questions about your plan.
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What if I don't have health or prescription drug coverage?
The NEXIUM Savings Card
can help eligible patients without prescription drug coverage. These patients may
receive up to $50 in savings on each fill for up to 12 fills.§
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How does the NEXIUM Savings Card work at my pharmacy?
After you receive your card, simply present it to your pharmacist with your prescription for NEXIUM.
Patients with Prescription Insurance
| Rx Size |
You Pay* |
AstraZeneca Pays |
| 30-day |
First $18 of co-pay |
Up to $50 |
| 60-day |
First $36 of co-pay |
Up to $100 |
| 90-day |
First $54 of co-pay |
Up to $150 |
*Patients are responsible for any balance: above $68 for a 30-day supply, above $136 for a 60-day supply, and above $204 for a 90-day supply.
Cash-Paying Patients
| Rx Size |
AstraZeneca Pays |
You Pay |
| 30-day |
Up to $50 |
Balance of cost |
| 60-day |
Up to $100 |
Balance of cost |
| 90-day |
Up to $150 |
Balance of cost |
The offer is limited to 1 savings card per person. Offer expires 12/31/14. The offer is good only in the United States and its territories. AstraZeneca reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time. Eligibility restrictions apply.
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How do I know if my insurance covers a 60-day or 90-day prescription at my retail pharmacy?
Call your insurance carrier for your specific plan coverage details. Not all insurance plans cover prescriptions over 30 days at retail pharmacies.
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Who is eligible for the NEXIUM Savings Card?
- Patients with commercial insurance
- Patients with no prescription drug coverage.
Certain other restrictions may apply. See full eligibility information here.
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Who is not eligible for the NEXIUM Savings Card?
- Patients with prescriptions covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or similar federal or state programs
- Patients who are eligible for Medicare and enrolled in an employer-sponsored group waiver health plan or government-subsidized prescription drug benefit program for retirees
- Patients younger than one month of age
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How does the NEXIUM Savings Card work if I’m a mail-order customer?
You can receive savings if you purchase through mail order by completing the form and mailing it with proof of purchase for a refund. We will mail you a refund of up to $150 if your co-pay is more than $54. Processing time may take up to 6-8 weeks.
| Rx Size |
You Pay* |
AstraZeneca Pays |
| 90-day |
First $54 of co-pay |
Up to $150 |
*Patients are responsible for any balance above $204.
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Can I mail my retail Savings Card in with my mail-order prescription?
No. Many of the mail-order pharmacies don't accept savings cards. However, you can complete the form and mail it with proof of purchase for a refund. We will mail you a refund of up to $150 if your co-pay is more than $54. Processing time may take up to 6-8 weeks.
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How long can I use the NEXIUM Savings Card?
The NEXIUM Savings Card can be used on each prescription fill until 12/31/14.
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What are the eligibility requirements?
ELIGIBILITY: This offer is good for eligible patients purchasing at least a 30-day supply of NEXIUM (esomeprazole magnesium) and may not be used for any other product. This offer is good for the purchase of NEXIUM manufactured for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and lawfully purchased from an authorized retailer or distributor in the United States or its territories. This offer is not insurance and is not valid for prescriptions purchased under Medicaid, Medicare or similar federal or state programs or for patients who are Medicare eligible and enrolled in an employer-sponsored group waiver health plan or government-subsidized prescription drug benefit program for retirees or for patients younger than one month of age. Offer not valid where prohibited by law, taxed or restricted. Offer is not transferable, is limited to one per person and may not be combined with any other offer. Offer must be presented along with a valid prescription for NEXIUM at the time of purchase.
OFFER: If you have commercial insurance for your prescription and your co-pay is more than $18, you will pay the first $18 per 30-day supply and receive up to $50 in savings per 30-day supply. If you pay cash for your prescription, you will receive up to $50 in savings on your out-of-pocket costs per 30-day supply. This offer is good for 30-day supply, 60-day supply or 90-day supply and expires 12/31/14. If you have any questions regarding this offer, please call 1-800-503-9880. AstraZeneca reserves the right to change or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
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What if I am enrolled in a government, state, or federally funded prescription benefit
program?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the NEXIUM Savings Card, due to government
regulations.
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Do I need my card every time I get my prescription refilled at the pharmacy?
If you go to the same pharmacy where you initially filled your prescription, the
information should be saved in the system. If the information is no longer saved
in the system, you would need to provide the card again.
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What happens if I lose my card?
If you lose your card after you've used it and received your first prescription,
the information should already be stored in the computer system of the pharmacy
first used. In that case, the card will not be necessary. If you lose your card
before using it at a pharmacy or you lose it and want to switch pharmacies, your
doctor can provide you with another card or you may request one by calling 1-800-503-9880.
Or, you can always download a new card here.
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Can I switch pharmacies at any time with the card?
Yes. However, it will be necessary to present your NEXIUM Savings Card when you
begin using a new pharmacy if it is not affiliated with your previous pharmacy.
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What if I’m currently using an old savings card?
You can continue using your current card until all fills are used or it expires. Or, simply print a new one here.
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What is acid reflux disease?
"Acid reflux" is the backing up of stomach acid into the esophagus (food tube).
The acid can irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn, a
burning pain in the center of the chest. "Acid reflux disease" is frequently recurring
acid reflux. If you have heartburn 2 or more days a week, despite trying to treat
it and change your diet, you may have acid reflux disease. If acid reflux disease
is not treated, it can potentially cause damage to the esophagus over time, which
is a condition called erosive esophagitis. Acid reflux disease is also sometimes
known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
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What are the symptoms of acid reflux disease?
The most common symptoms are heartburn, a sour or bitter taste, and difficulty swallowing.
Other symptoms include persistent cough, hoarseness, and upset stomach.
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Is acid reflux disease serious?
If acid reflux disease is not treated, it can, over time, cause tissue damage in
the lining of the esophagus, leading to a condition called erosive esophagitis (EE).
About 1 in 3 acid reflux disease sufferers may have EE. And if EE is not treated,
it can result in even more serious health problems. Nexium
can heal the damage that acid reflux disease may cause.
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How can I know if I have damage from acid reflux disease?
Only a doctor can see if you have damage in your esophagus. You can't tell solely
by how you feel. Even if your heartburn pain is only mild, you may still have damage.
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How is acid reflux disease treated?
Three categories of acid reflux disease medicines include
antacids,
H2 blockers, and
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are more effective than H2 blockers for acid reflux disease.
Nexium is a PPI.
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What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease?
Nearly everyone experiences occasional heartburn. But when heartburn occurs 2 or
more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, a person may have acid reflux
disease. Only a doctor can determine if you have acid reflux disease.
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What causes acid reflux disease?
There is a "valve" between the stomach and the esophagus called the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES). The LES opens to let food pass into the stomach and closes tightly
after the food has passed through. When the LES does not stay closed after the food
has passed through, acid and stomach contents may back up (reflux) into the esophagus.
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What foods trigger acid reflux?
For many people with acid reflux disease, common food triggers include fried and
fatty foods; tomato-based foods; citrus fruits; chocolate; and alcoholic, caffeinated,
and carbonated drinks. It's best to avoid foods that trigger heartburn or that make
it worse for you.
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