Esomeprazole tablets (Nexium)

Esomeprazole is a medicine primarily used to treat acid reflux, where the stomach produces too much stomach acid.

It is also used to treat many conditions that cause acid reflux, including:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Is Nexium the same as Esomeprazole?

Nexium is the branded version of Esomeprazole. It was approved by the EMA in the year 2000. Nexium is manufactured by AstraZeneca.

Nexium and Esomeprazole have the same active ingredient and work in the same way. In general, both are equally effective, and most people can safely switch between the branded version and the generic. However, they may differ in price and their inactive ingredients.

At euroClinix, we prescribe Esomeprazole and its branded version specifically for acid reflux. You can buy Esomeprazole and Nexium 20 & 40 mg tablets from us if a licensed healthcare professional has previously prescribed you this treatment.

Esomeprazole belongs to a class of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pumps are enzymes in your stomach that make acid so you can digest your food.

In those with GORD, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) doesn’t close properly, allowing excess acid to overflow and travel up the oesophagus.

Esomeprazole stops proton pumps from producing too much stomach acid, preventing acid reflux and providing relief from symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.

Esomeprazole provides many benefits to your health:

• Prevents acid reflux - with stomach acid reduced, less acid can travel up the oesophagus.
• Provides relief from pain and discomfort - symptoms like heartburn are effectively reduced.
• Heals stomach ulcers - by lessening stomach acid, Esomeprazole allows peptic ulcers to heal.
• Allows the oesophagus to heal - with less acid reflux, damage done to the oesophagus is lessened and it can heal.

Esomeprazole has been clinically proven to be highly effective in treating symptoms of GORD like acid reflux.

In one trial, Esomeprazole successfully treated acid reflux in:

• 78% of patients after 4 weeks
• 93% of patients after 8 weeks

Esomeprazole is also generally understood to be more effective than other proton-pump inhibitors like Omeprazole. In another study:

• Esomeprazole was 94% effective in treating acid reflux
• Omeprazole was 84% effective

This medication may not be suitable for everyone. When you complete a consultation, our UK-registered doctors will be able to determine if Esomeprazole is safe for you.

Who can take it?

To get a prescription for Esomeprazole, you must have already been prescribed this treatment by your GP.

Only those with one of the following conditions can get a prescription:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• Peptic ulcers
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Who cannot take it?

You cannot take Esomeprazole if:

• You are allergic to Esomeprazole or any of the medicine's other ingredients
• You are allergic to other proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., Pantoprazole or Lansoprazole)

Cautions

Additionally, there are some instances where the safety of Esomeprazole needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis:

• You have severe liver problems
• You have severe kidney problems
• You have a vitamin B12 deficiency
• You have ever had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine that reduces stomach acid
• You are due to have a specific blood test (Chromogranin A)

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. One of our doctors will evaluate whether Esomeprazole is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

To use Esomeprazole correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.

Instructions:

• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water
• Do not split, crush or chew the tablets*

*Esomeprazole tablets contain pellets which stop the medicine being broken down by stomach acid. This may be ineffective if the pellet is damaged.

If you have trouble swallowing your tablets, put them in a glass of still water and stir until the tablets break up. Drink the entire mixture straight away, making sure not to crush or chew the pieces. Crushing or chewing the tablets can interfere with the slow-release formulation.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Dosage

Both Esomeprazole and its branded version, Nexium, are available from euroClinix as 40 mg tablets.

Some healthcare providers may prescribe 20 mg tablets if this is deemed sufficient, but most people are prescribed Esomeprazole 40 mg tablets to treat their condition.

This table lists the recommended dosage schedule for each condition treated by this medicine:

NOTE: This is the usual recommended Esomeprazole dosage, but yours may differ. Always follow your doctor’s advice when taking your medication.

When do I take it?

Esomeprazole can be taken at any time of the day, either with or without food.

Choose a time that best suits your schedule and stick to it. For most people, this will be first thing in the morning so it can be incorporated into their morning routine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the day has already passed, skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

You should feel the effects of Esomeprazole within 2-3 days. However, it can take weeks for the medicine to fully treat your symptoms.

Exactly how long it takes depends on what you are treating and the severity of your condition, the details of which can be seen in the table above.

To most effectively treat your condition, consider making the following lifestyle changes:

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If you experience acid reflux, eat more fresh vegetables and non-citrus fruits to promote a balanced gut bacteria. Also, add more anti-inflammatory fats such as oily fish or linseeds to your diet to help reduce inflammation.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Esomeprazole’s side effects are usually mild and should disappear within 24 hours to a few days. If side effects persist or are unmanageable, consult your doctor for advice.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Headache
• Upset stomach (including diarrhoea, stomach pain, and constipation)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Benign growths in the stomach (polyps)

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Swelling of the feet and ankles
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• A tingling feeling (“pins and needles”)
• A spinning feeling (vertigo)
• Dry mouth
• An itchy skin rash

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• Low levels of sodium in the blood
• Feeling agitated, confused, or depressed
• Changes in taste
• Blurred vision
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Inflammation inside the mouth
• Thrush
• Liver problems (including jaundice)
• Hair loss
• Joint or muscle pains
• Increased sweating

Long-term use of Esomeprazole can increase the risk of bone fractures. However, this is only associated with high doses and use longer than a year.

How to manage side effects

One of the most common side effects of Esomeprazole, stomach growths (polyps), is rarely serious. However, if you notice a persistent lump, consult your doctor to get it checked.

Other side effects can be managed in the following ways:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods that may worsen digestive issues.
• Limit or avoid alcohol if you experience gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhoea or bloating.

Always follow the dosage schedule prescribed by your doctor to limit side effects and report any you experience. They may need to adjust your dosage if side effects become unmanageable.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

If you experience a skin rash in areas of skin exposed to the sun, consult your doctor for advice. This is a condition known as subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), which very rarely is caused by the use of PPIs.

Some medicines may increase the risk of side effects when taken alongside Esomeprazole or reduce its effectiveness.

Tell your doctor about any medication you are taking, including the following:

• HIV medications (e.g., nelfinavir, atazanavir)
• Clopidogrel (used to prevent blood clots)
• Antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• Erlotinib (cancer treatment)
• Certain antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, clomipramine)
• Diazepam (used to treat anxiety)
• Phenytoin (epilepsy medication)
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
• Cilostazol (used to treat leg pain caused by an insufficient blood supply)
• Cisapride (used for indigestion and heartburn)
• Digoxin (used for heart problems)
• Methotrexate (cancer treatment)
• Tacrolimus (prevents and treats organ transplant rejection)
• Rifampicin (tuberculosis treatment)
• St John’s wort (herbal treatment for depression)

This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the Esomeprazole interactions checker on the BNF website.

Follow these guidelines when storing Esomeprazole:

• Store below 30°C in the original packaging.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.*

*Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.

No, Esomeprazole and the branded version Nexium can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Prescriptions are necessary because they:

• Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
• Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
• Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.

Nexium Control is an over-the-counter version of Nexium containing 20 mg of Esomeprazole. This version of the medicine is suitable for short-term treatment of reflux symptoms like heartburn and does not require a prescription.

Ordering Esomeprazole online from euroClinix is convenient. Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, swift approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery make ordering quick and convenient.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Esomeprazole at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

If this medicine is not right for you, we have other options. These include Omeprazole, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, and Lansoprazole. These are also PPIs and work in a similar way to Esomeprazole.