Before taking Esomeprazole 20mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other PPIs (such as lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Esomeprazole 20mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.
Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder pain (especially with trouble breathing, sweating, lightheadedness, pain spreading to arms/jaw/neck/shoulders), unexplained weight loss.
Proton pump inhibitors (such as Esomeprazole 20mg) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, Esomeprazole 20mg should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if Esomeprazole 20mg passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Store at room temperature away from moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Esomeprazole 20mg and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Esomeprazole 20mg by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, at least 1 hour before a meal. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Do not crush or chew Esomeprazole 20mg. Swallow the capsules whole. If you have difficulty swallowing Esomeprazole 20mg whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents into a tablespoon of unheated applesauce. Swallow the applesauce mixture right away without chewing it. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time for later use. Doing so may destroy the drug.
If needed, antacids may be taken along with Esomeprazole 20mg. If you are also taking sucralfate, take Esomeprazole 20mg at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.
Use Esomeprazole 20mg regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Continue to take Esomeprazole 20mg for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Headache or abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Esomeprazole 20mg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Esomeprazole 20mg do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, seizures).
A very serious allergic reaction to Esomeprazole 20mg is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Click here to view a more detailed list of Nexium side effects.
If you miss a dose of Esomeprazole 20mg, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Esomeprazole 20mg include: cilostazol, clopidogrel, methotrexate (especially high-dose treatment), nelfinavir, rifampin, St John's wort.
Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Esomeprazole 20mg decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include amphetamines, atazanavir, digoxin, iron supplements, azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, among others.
Esomeprazole 20mg may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Esomeprazole 20mg.