Drug name: Generic Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium)

Therapeutic effects:

Generic Nexium containing esomeprazole belongs to a group of medicines known as H+/K+-ATP-ase(proton pump) inhibitors. By inhibiting the enzyme Nexium decreases the production of hydrochloric acid by the parietal cells of the stomach. Nexium suppresses basal and stimulating gastric secretion. Therapeutic action develops in one hour after administration.

Indications:

Generic Nexium is indicated for the treatment of conditions associated with hyperproduction of hydrochloric acid:

• Stomach and duodenal ulcers (especially in patients with taking NSAID's)
• Erosive esophagitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Most common Nexium side effects include: headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, meteorism, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dermatitis, urticaria, skin rash, dizziness, xerostomia, insomnia, paresthesia, dizziness, increased activity of liver's enzymes, peripheral edemas

Less common Nexium side effects include: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, allergic reactions: fever, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, agitation, depression, taste changes, hyposodiemia, vision changes, bronchospasm, stomatitis, gastrointestinal candidiasis, hepatitis with jaundice, alopecia, arthralgia, myalgia, cacesthesia.

In very rare cases Nexium may cause: agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, hepatic failure, hepatic encephalopathy, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, muscle weakness, interstitial nephritis, gynecomastia.

Drug interaction:

Generic Nexium can interact with the following groups of medicines:

• Antimycotic drugs such as fluconazole, ketoconazole and others
• Intermittent claudication treatment (Cilostazol)
• Antiplatelets
• Benzodiazepines
• Anti-cancer drug such as Erlotinib or Dasatinib
• Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)
• Iron supplements or medications
• Protease inhibitors
• Ulcerative colitis treatment (Mesalamine)
• Blood thinners (warfarin)

Cautions and restrictions:

Generic Nexium is contraindicated for use in:

• Known allergic reactions to esomeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors
• Hereditary intolerance of fructose
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption
• Children under 12 years of age
• Severe liver failure
• Severe kidney failure

Make sure to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Esomeprazole belongs to a pregnancy category B meaning that the safety of the medication has not been studied in pregnant women.

Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of fractures in patients receiving high doses of the medication for a long period (over a year)

Additional information: Keep the medication our of reach of children at dry and protected from light place at a room temperature. Shelf-life of the drug is 3 years.