Is Nexium Safe ?

USES: treatment of a number of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines

Nexium is used for:

Treating heartburn or esophagitis (inflammation of the food pipe) due to acid reflux disease (GERD). It may be used to prevent stomach ulcers associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may also be used with other medicines to prevent ulcers of the small intestines.

Nexium is an acid pump inhibitor (or proton pump inhibitor). It works by turning off some of the acid pumps in the stomach lining and reducing the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus (food pipe).

Side Effects of Nexium

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Chest pain;
• constipation;
• cough;
• diarrhea;
• dry mouth;
• gas;
• headache;
• nausea;
• stomach pain;
• throat pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• chest, throat, or severe stomach pain.

Who Should Not Take Nexium

Do NOT use Nexium if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Nexium or to similar medications

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Interactions with Nexium

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nexium . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) or protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir) because the effectiveness may be decreased by Nexium
• Cilostazol or digoxin, because the actions and side effects may be increased by Nexium