Taking Nexium

Nexium Side Effects

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.

Relief of symptoms with Nexium does not rule out the existence 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.

Talk to your doctor about your risk for low magnesium levels if you take NEXIUM for a long period of time.

Nexium may affect how other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how NEXIUM works. Be sure to consult your doctor concerning your specific treatment, and remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking.

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

What other safety information should I know about Nexium?

Before taking Nexium, tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cilostazol, warfarin, St. John's wort or rifampin.

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
  • 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 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

If a doctor has prescribed Nexium for your child's acid reflux disease please see side effects and safety information for children.

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

This is not a complete summary of safety information about Nexium. Please read the full Prescribing Information and discuss it with your doctor.

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

Tip #5Symptom Prevention:

Have smaller meals Larger meals increase the duration of acid reflux. Try eating smaller meals to help your heartburn pain.

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Find out if you're eligible

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.