NexIUM 24HR

NexIUM 24HR is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions that involve too much stomach acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This medicine is also used to help heal erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

NexIUM 24HR may also be given to prevent gastric ulcers caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

NexIUM 24HR is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

NexIUM 24HR may also be used for reasons not listed 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.

NexIUM 24HR 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 NexIUM 24HR 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.

NexIUM 24HR 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 NexIUM 24HR 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 NexIUM 24HR.

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.

NexIUM 24HR can lead to kidney issues. Inform your doctor if you notice you are urinating less than usual, or if you see blood in your urine.

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

NexIUM 24HR may trigger new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Let your doctor know if you experience joint pain along with a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in sunlight.

Taking NexIUM 24HR for a long time or more than once a day may increase your risk of a broken bone.

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 had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking NexIUM 24HR before; or
• you are allergic to NexIUM 24HR or to 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.

Taking a proton pump inhibitor for a long time or more than once a day may increase your risk of breaking a bone in your hip, wrist, or spine. Discuss with your doctor how to maintain healthy bones.

Ask 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.

NexIUM 24HR 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 NexIUM 24HR long-term may lead to stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

If you use NexIUM 24HR 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 NexIUM 24HR 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 nearly 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.

NexIUM 24HR can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect NexIUM 24HR, 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 NexIUM 24HR. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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