Esomeprazole

Esomeprazole is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions that involve too much stomach acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole is also used to help heal erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Esomeprazole may also be used to prevent gastric ulcers caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Esomeprazole is not for quick relief of heartburn symptoms.

Esomeprazole may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal.

Swallow the pill whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

The esomeprazole capsule can be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Esomeprazole is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. Your doctor may recommend a second course of treatment if you need additional healing time.

Use esomeprazole for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using esomeprazole.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of esomeprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Esomeprazole can lead to kidney issues. Inform your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you notice blood in your urine.

Diarrhea might indicate a new infection. Contact your doctor if you experience diarrhea that is watery or contains blood.

Esomeprazole may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Let your doctor know if you have joint pain along with a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in sunlight.

You may have a higher risk of a broken bone if you take esomeprazole long term or more than once per day.

Heartburn can feel like the early signs of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical help if you experience chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

You should not use this medicine if:

• you have had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking esomeprazole in the past; or
• you are allergic to esomeprazole or similar medicines such as lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• severe liver disease;
• lupus;
• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia); or
• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

You may be at a higher risk of breaking a bone in your hip, wrist, or spine if you take a proton pump inhibitor for a long time or more than once a day. Discuss with your doctor how to maintain healthy bones.

Consult a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Esomeprazole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• seizure (convulsions);
• kidney problems-- fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;
• low magnesium-- dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling; or
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus-- joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Taking esomeprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

If you use esomeprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you develop it.

Common side effects of esomeprazole may include:

• headache;
• diarrhea;
• nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation; or
• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

esomeprazole can cause diarrhea, which may indicate a new infection. If you experience diarrhea that is watery or bloody, contact your doctor before taking any anti-diarrhea medicine.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking. Many drugs can affect esomeprazole, especially:

• cilostazol;
• clopidogrel;
• diazepam;
• digoxin;
• erlotinib;
• iron-containing medicines (ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and others);
• methotrexate;
• mycophenolate mofetil;
• rifampin;
• St. John's wort;
• tacrolimus;
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• antifungal medication--ketoconazole, voriconazole; or
• HIV/AIDS medication--atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir.

This list is not complete, and many other drugs may affect esomeprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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