Tips for Your Doctor Visit

Here are some tips for making the most of your doctor appointment.

Bring your "Acid Reflux Symptoms" Summary Sheet. Your printout gives the doctor helpful information. Prepare a My Acid Reflux Symptoms Summary Sheet now.

Be specific. Be as detailed as possible. Tell your doctor what acid reflux symptoms you have, when they usually occur, how often you have them, and what triggers your symptoms. For example

  • Not specific: "I have heartburn often."
  • More helpful: "I have heartburn about 4 or 5 days a week, usually in the evening. I've noticed the pain is worse if I've had a huge meal."

Describe the impact on your daily activities. Do your symptoms get in the way of things you need to do? Be sure to share this with your doctor.

List your current medicines and any past drug side effects and allergic reactions. This helps your doctor identify any possible drug combinations that may cause problems for you.

Confirm medication instructions. If your doctor prescribes medicine for your acid reflux symptoms, be sure you're clear on when and how you need to take it.

Next: What Are Your Acid Reflux Symptoms?

 

Have questions about NEXIUM? Get answers.
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.