Digestion - Nexium
Generic Name:
Esomeprazole (e sew MEH pra zol)
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What is Nexium? |
Would it be nice to just take a pill in the morning and not have to worry about heartburn for the rest of the day? For people who suffer from heartburn two or more times a week, there is a way to find relief, that relief is Nexium . Nexium is a prescription medication and is safe and effective for people age 12 and up.
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What should you Know? |
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Do not stop taking esomeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. |
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Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the body. |
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Before Using |
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Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of liver disease . You may not be able to take esomeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. |
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Esomeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take esomeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
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It is not known whether esomeprazole passes into breast milk . Do not take esomeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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Directions |
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Take esomeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. |
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Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions. |
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Do not break or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the body. |
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It is important to take esomeprazole regularly to get the most benefit. |
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If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, one tablespoon of applesauce can be added to an empty bowl and the esomeprazole capsule can be opened, and the pellets inside the capsule carefully emptied onto the applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/ applesauce mixture should not be stored for later use. |
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Do not stop taking esomeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated. |
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Your doctor may want to schedule tests or appointments to monitor your treatment with esomeprazole. |
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Store esomeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose?
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| Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
Cautions |
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If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking esomeprazole and seek emergency medical attention. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take esomeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, or constipation; or |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
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