Nexium FAQs
Considering Nexium? The information below may help answer some of your questions.
What does Nexium do?
Why is Nexium called the "Healing Purple Pill"?
How does Nexium work?
Who can prescribe Nexium?
Is Nexium affordable?
Is Nexium easy to take?
What are the possible side effects of Nexium?
How might Nexium interact with other medicines I'm taking?
Does Nexium contain gluten?
Are you taking Nexium? The information below may help answer some of your questions.
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?
Nexium cost and your prescription drug coverage
What if Nexium is not on my plan's list of covered prescription medications?
If I have 2 insurance cards, which one should I use to find out information about my Nexium coverage and out-of-pocket costs?
Why might my copay/coinsurance for Nexium have changed?
What if I don't have health or prescription drug coverage?
FAQs about the NEXIUM Savings Card
How does the NEXIUM Savings Card work?
How long can I use the Savings Card?
What happens after the 12 fills?
What are the eligibility requirements?
What if I am enrolled in a government, state, or federally funded prescription benefit program?
What if I receive my Nexium through the mail?
Do I need my card every time I get my prescription refilled at the pharmacy?
What happens if I lose my card?
Can I switch pharmacies at any time with the card?
Want to know more about acid reflux disease? The information below may help answer some of your questions.
What is acid reflux disease?
What are the symptoms of acid reflux disease?
Is acid reflux disease serious?
How can I know if I have damage from acid reflux disease?
How is acid reflux disease treated?
What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease?
What causes acid reflux disease?
What foods trigger acid reflux?
What does Nexium do?
Nexium can both relieve persistent heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux disease and also heal possible damage to the esophagus that acid reflux can cause over time. Only a doctor can determine if you have this damage, which is called erosive esophagitis. For many people, 1 Nexium pill a day provides 24-hour relief from symptoms 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. Only a doctor can diagnose this damage, which is 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 does Nexium work?
Nexium turns off many of the "acid pumps" in the stomach's acid-producing cells. This reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.
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Who can prescribe Nexium?
Doctors, and in many states nurse practitioners and physician's assistants, can prescribe medications. These qualified professionals can also determine whether Nexium is right for you.
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Is Nexium affordable?
- The majority of patients with Commercial prescription drug coverage for Nexium pay $30 or less per month.*
- With the NEXIUM Savings Card, you may be eligible to save
- If you have prescription coverage and your copay is more than $18, you may receive up to $50 in savings on each fill for Nexium (up to 12 fills)
- If you do not have prescription coverage, AstraZeneca will cover the first $50 of your out-of-pocket cost each time you fill your Nexium prescription (up to 12 fills)
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Is Nexium easy to take?
People take Nexium just once a day to treat acid reflux disease. It should be taken at least 1 hour before a meal and at the same time every day. If your doctor prescribes Nexium for you, take it as he or she directs.
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What are the possible side effects of Nexium?
In adults 18 and older, side effects of Nexium include headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects of Nexium include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.
Please consult the full Prescribing 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 sodium), Pletal® (cilostazol), certain HIV medications (such as atazanavir, nelfinavir, or saquinavir), and drugs where gastric pH is important (such as ketoconazole, iron salts, and digoxin).‡
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Does Nexium contain gluten?
Gluten is not listed as an ingredient in the Nexium Prescribing Information.
Since AstraZeneca does not manufacture the raw materials used in its drug products and since suppliers may periodically change, lack of contact with gluten or use of gluten during the manufacturing process cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, AstraZeneca cannot guarantee that Nexium is gluten-free.
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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 1 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 and swallow it right away (do not store the applesauce for later use, and do not chew or crush the pellets)
- 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
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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 59ºF and 86ºF or between 15ºC and 30ºC).
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What is the recommended adult dose for Nexium?
Your doctor will prescribe the dose that's right for you. Twenty milligrams once daily is a common prescription 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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What if Nexium is not on my plan's list of covered prescription medications?
Nexium is available to most people who receive prescription drug coverage through an employer, Medicaid, Medicare, or their state prescription drug program. However, some plans may have special rules or set limits on how you get your medications. If this is true for your plan, you can either pay full price for the prescription or ask your plan administrator for what is called an exception.
If you find that Nexium is not on your plan's list of covered prescription medications, you can contact your plan administrator to ask why. Your plan should have a toll-free phone number you can call to get this information. The toll-free number should be listed on your plan ID card. Because some people have separate ID cards for their medical and prescription drug coverage, it is important to refer to the ID card that you present at the pharmacy when you get your prescription filled.
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If I have 2 insurance cards, which one should I use to find out information about my Nexium coverage and out-of-pocket costs?
Some people have different plan ID cards for their medical coverage and for their prescription drug coverage. Usually, this is because the prescription drug coverage has been purchased from an insurance provider that is different than the one providing medical coverage. Because Nexium is covered through prescription drug coverage and not medical coverage, you should refer to the plan ID card that you present at the pharmacy.
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Why might my copay/coinsurance for Nexium have changed?
The amount of your copay or coinsurance is determined by your plan and what formulary tier or level Nexium is on within that plan. Typically, a lower tier will have a lower cost, while a higher tier will have a higher cost. Your plan administrator will be able to give you detailed information about your prescription medication costs and the reasons for any changes to your out-of-pocket costs. If you get your prescription drug coverage through your employer, your human resources or benefits manager may also be able to answer questions about your plan.
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What if I don't have health or prescription drug coverage?
The NEXIUM Savings Card can help eligible patients without prescription drug coverage. These patients may receive up to $50 in savings on each fill for up to 12 fills.§
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How does the NEXIUM Savings Card work?
After you receive your card, simply present it to your pharmacist. There is no activation required to begin using your Savings Card. If you have prescription coverage and your copay is more than $18, you may receive up to $50 in savings on each of your next 12 fills.
If you do not have prescription coverage, AstraZeneca will cover the first $50 of your out-of-pocket cost for each of your next 12 fills of Nexium.
| Coverage Status |
You Pay |
AstraZeneca Pays |
| With prescription coverage |
First $18 of copay |
Up to next $50 of copay |
| Coverage Status |
AstraZeneca Pays |
You Pay |
| Without prescription coverage |
First $50 of cost |
Balance of cost |
The offer is limited to 1 savings card per person for up to 12 fills for NEXIUM within 14 months after first use. The offer is good only in the United States and its territories. AstraZeneca reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time.
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How long can I use the NEXIUM Savings Card?
The NEXIUM Savings Card must be used within 14 months after first use to remain active.
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What happens after the 12 fills?
You may request another card from your healthcare provider or print a new card off this Web site.
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What are the eligibility requirements?
Eligibility
Offer: Up to $50 off, on 12 prescriptions of at least a 30-day supply of NEXIUM® (esomeprazole magnesium). Offer not valid if copay is $18 or less. Must be used within 14 months of your first prescription fill. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions: Offer void for mail order and for patients covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or similar state or federal programs and is void where prohibited by law, taxed or restricted. Offer void in MA. Card is limited to one per person and is not transferable. Offer good only in the U.S. and its territories. AstraZeneca reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time. Patient Instructions: Present this card to the pharmacist along with your insurance card and a valid prescription for NEXIUM. Cardholders with questions, please call 1-800-503-9880 (8:00 AM-6:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday).
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What if I am enrolled in a government, state, or federally funded prescription benefit program?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the NEXIUM Savings Card, due to government regulations.
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What if I receive my Nexium through the mail?
Although the card does not cover patients who receive their prescription through mail, you can still save by filling a 90-day prescription through the mail. Get more information on NEXIUM mail order savings.
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Do I need my card every time I get my prescription refilled at the pharmacy?
If you go to the same pharmacy where you initially filled your prescription, the information should be saved in the system. If the information is no longer saved in the system, you would need to provide the card again.
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What happens if I lose my card?
If you lose your card after you've used it and received your first prescription, the information should already be stored in the computer system of the pharmacy first used. In that case, the card will not be necessary. If you lose your card before using it at a pharmacy or you lose it and want to switch pharmacies, your doctor can provide you with another card or you may request one by calling 1-800-503-9880.
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Can I switch pharmacies at any time with the card?
Yes. However, it will be necessary to present your NEXIUM Savings Card when you begin using a new pharmacy if it is not affiliated with your previous pharmacy.
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What is acid reflux disease?
"Acid reflux" is the backing up of stomach acid into the esophagus (food tube). The acid can irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn, a burning pain in the center of the chest. "Acid reflux disease" is frequently recurring acid reflux. If you have heartburn 2 or more days a week, despite trying to treat it and change your diet, you may have acid reflux disease. If acid reflux disease is not treated, it can potentially cause damage to the esophagus over time, which is a condition called erosive esophagitis. Acid reflux disease is also sometimes known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
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What are the symptoms of acid reflux disease?
The most common symptoms are heartburn, a sour or bitter taste, and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include persistent cough, hoarseness, and upset stomach.
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Is acid reflux disease serious?
If acid reflux disease is not treated, it can, over time, cause tissue damage in the lining of the esophagus, leading to a condition called erosive esophagitis (EE). About 1 in 3 acid reflux disease sufferers may have EE. And if EE is not treated, it can result in even more serious health problems. Nexium can heal the damage that acid reflux disease may cause.
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How can I know if I have damage from acid reflux disease?
Only a doctor can see if you have damage in your esophagus. You can't tell solely by how you feel. Even if your heartburn pain is only mild, you may still have damage.
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How is acid reflux disease treated?
Three categories of acid reflux disease medicines include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are more effective than H2 blockers for acid reflux disease. Nexium is a PPI.
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What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease?
Nearly everyone experiences occasional heartburn. But when heartburn occurs 2 or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, a person may have acid reflux disease. Only a doctor can determine if you have acid reflux disease.
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What causes acid reflux disease?
There is a "valve" between the stomach and the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES opens to let food pass into the stomach and closes tightly after the food has passed through. When the LES does not stay closed after the food has passed through, acid and stomach contents may back up (reflux) into the esophagus.
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What foods trigger acid reflux?
For many people with acid reflux disease, common food triggers include fried and fatty foods; tomato-based foods; citrus fruits; chocolate; and alcoholic, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks. It's best to avoid foods that trigger heartburn or that make it worse for you.
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