Taking Nexium

Getting started with Nexium? To make the most of your acid reflux treatment with Nexium, take it exactly as your doctor has directed. Here are a few basic tips.

  • Take Nexium at least 1 hour before a meal
  • 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 the applesauce 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 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

Remember, if you have any questions about your acid reflux treatment with Nexium, talk with your doctor.

Tip #4Symptom Prevention:

Wait 3 hours after eating a meal before lying down

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Important Safety Information About NEXIUM

  • Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions
  • 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 including prescription and non-prescription drugs, 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 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.