FAQ About NEXIUM

What does NEXIUM do?
Why is NEXIUM called the Healing Purple Pill?
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?
Who can prescribe NEXIUM?
Is NEXIUM affordable?
What are the possible side effects of NEXIUM?
How might NEXIUM interact with other medicines I’m taking?
Does NEXIUM contain gluten?

 

What does NEXIUM do?
NEXIUM can both relieve heartburn pain and heal possible damage to the esophagus that acid reflux can cause over time. Only a doctor can determine if you have this damage, called erosive esophagitis. For many people, one NEXIUM pill a day provides 24-hour relief from frequent, persistent heartburn 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. This damage can lead to potentially serious health problems. Only a doctor can diagnose this damage 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 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 one 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. The applesauce should be swallowed right away and never stored for later use. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed
  • If you take NEXIUM Delayed Release oral suspension:
    • Empty the contents of a packet into the 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 59°F and 86°F or between 15°C and 30°C).
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What is the recommended adult dose for NEXIUM?
Your doctor will prescribe the dose that’s right for you. Common prescriptions are 20 mg once daily 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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Who can prescribe NEXIUM?
Doctors, and in many states nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can prescribe medications. These qualified professionals can also determine whether NEXIUM is right for you.
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Is NEXIUM affordable?
For the majority of people with prescription coverage for NEXIUM, it is available for less than $30 a month.*
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*Individual out-of-pocket costs may vary. Source: Wolters Kluwer Health, Dynamic Claims, January–December 2007 (last accessed February 20, 2008). Based on monthly out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured and Medicare Part D patients. Excluding claims by low-income Medicare patients, the percentage paying $29 or less per month ranged from 51.20% to 54.53% during 2007. Data included claims covering 4,100 plans.

 

What are the possible side effects of NEXIUM?
Possible side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Please consult the Important Product Information to read more about possible side effects.
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How might NEXIUM interact with other medicines I’m taking?
Drug interactions can occur in patients receiving concurrent medications. When any drug is prescribed, the possibility of drug interactions should always be considered. Consult your doctor concerning your specific treatment. Remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription medications you're taking, such as Coumadin™† (warfarin) and HIV medications (containing atazanavir†) and drugs where gastric pH is important such as ketoconazole,† iron salts and digoxin.†
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†Drug names and compounds are trademarks of their parent companies.

 

Does NEXIUM contain gluten?
No. Gluten is not an ingredient in NEXIUM. In fact, we require certification from all our suppliers confirming that each particular inactive ingredient does not contain gluten. We have obtained certificates from all current suppliers of the inactive ingredients in NEXIUM capsules that confirm there is no gluten. Therefore, NEXIUM is gluten-free.
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Next: About Acid Reflux Disease

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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.

In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness. In adults 18 and older, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Please read the Important Product 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.