Treatment Options for Acid Reflux Disease

When you have heartburn, there are many treatments you can get over the counter (without a doctor’s prescription). And while these may give you temporary relief, they may not be the appropriate treatment option for you. If you’re taking antacids more than twice a week, it could mean that the problem isn’t just heartburn but may be a more serious condition—acid reflux disease. If you think you may have acid reflux disease, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.

Three types of treatments include:

  • Antacids
    Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. They can provide fast relief from occasional heartburn, but the relief is usually short-term.
  • H2 blockers
    H2 blockers reduce acid production in the stomach by blocking a signal that leads to acid secretion. They can help heal damage to the esophagus that may be caused by acid reflux disease.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
    Proton pump inhibitors—like NEXIUM—are proven to be the most effective treatments for acid reflux disease. They work by turning off some of the “acid pumps” in the stomach’s acid-producing cells. Most PPIs are available only with a doctor’s prescription. NEXIUM can both relieve heartburn pain and heal possible damage to the esophagus that may be caused by acid reflux. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Next: FAQ About Acid Reflux Disease

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.