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Nexium (Esomeprazole) prescription available online

If you are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Nexium can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Nexium today from a board-certified doctor online.*

Ease stomach pain and discomfort Available as a capsule Treats GERD, stomach ulcers, and more
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
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About Nexium

Nexium is considered a combination therapy drug that combines a proton pump inhibitor and a gastric acid secretion reducer. The combination of these ingredients allows health care professionals to provide Nexium capsules to patients with acid reflux, stomach ulcers, stomach pain, and several other cases.

Some conditions that Nexium is known to treat include gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers, and more . Nexium is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including esomeprazole magnesium. The esomeprazole magnesium in Nexium capsules helps to provide both of these functions and offers a stronger working action compared to nonprescription drugs.

Nexium may be prescribed as a capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.

If you are prescribed Nexium, be sure to complete the full course of the proton pump inhibitors unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.

If you don’t complete your prescription, the esomeprazole magnesium may not fully treat your gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers that you have developed. This may lead to severe stomach pain due to an increase in stomach acid production when you stop using the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Nexium uses

There are three FDA-approved uses for Nexium, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

The most common use for prescription Nexium capsules is to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The esomeprazole magnesium helps to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced in the patients treated. In turn, this can help to reduce stomach acid from pushing up toward the esophagus. Untreated GERD can lead to complications in the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. The use of Nexium capsules can help to reduce these risks. In cases where the patient has erosive esophagitis, Nexium may help to promote faster healing due to the use of proton pump inhibitors.

Stomach Ulcers

Patients who develop a stomach ulcer may experience several different symptoms. This includes severe diarrhea and stomach pain. Sometimes, the condition becomes severe enough to require emergency medical help. Healthcare professionals sometimes use prescription Nexium to assist in treating these ulcers. The reduction in acids in the stomach can help to promote faster healing.

Zollinger Ellison Syndrome

Esomeprazole magnesium may also sometimes provide improvements in people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This syndrome results in the excessive production of a hormone known as gastrin. The proton pump inhibitors help to avoid this excessive stomach acid production. Untreated Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can lead to peptic ulcers, severe diarrhea, and other potential complications.

Nexium side effects

The side effects associated with taking Nexium are typically mild. Most Nexium side effects are associated with discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Nexium has some common side effects. They may include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pain

  • Constipation

  • Accumulation of gas

  • Dry mouth

  • Headaches


Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

  • Kidney Problems: People should be careful if they have chronic kidney disease or related issues. Nexium may affect kidney function. This can cause serious kidney problems in some patients. Rashes, a poor appetite, less urination, joint pain, a fever, and weight gain are potential signs of kidney problems.

  • Systemic lupus Erythematosus: There have been rare reports of patients developing new lupus erythematosus symptoms while they take the medication, Individuals who already have lupus erythematosus may also experience a worsening of their symptoms.

  • Low Magnesium Levels: It is also possible for Nexium to affect magnesium levels. In this case, the patient may experience dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, jitters, muscle spasms, coughing, and several other symptoms.


In addition to these side effects, patients who take the medication should also be wary of allergic reactions. These allergic reactions can lead to difficulty breathing, hives, and several other symptoms. Swelling in the lips, face, and throat may also indicate an allergic reaction. Severe skin reactions can also occur.

You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.

It is also important to understand the long-term usage risks of Nexium. A healthcare professional may decide to constantly monitor your vitamin B12 levels. A deficiency may develop if you use the medication for more than three years to treat GERD.

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How to take Nexium

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Nexium prescription.

Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Nexium can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed as multiple daily doses or as a single dose. It depends on the severity of the condition. The dose for esophagus called erosive esophagitis will differ from a milder condition when using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

You should not take Nexium with food. Instead, wait about one hour after you use the medication before you eat.

Tell your doctor if you experience clostridium difficile associated diarrhea or other unpleasant adverse effects.

What to avoid while taking Nexium

Nexium has a large number of drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.

Tell your healthcare provider if you use any of the following medications:

Rifampin
Warfarin
Diazepam
Erlotinib
Digoxin
Clopidogrel
Methotrexate
St. John's Wort
Some studies also show that Nexium may cause drug interactions with medicine that contains iron. This includes ferrous fumarate, gluconate, and sulfate. Be careful about combining Nexium with medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus and fungal infections.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Nexium.

Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may irritate your stomach's lining. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it harder to reduce the risk of too much acid accumulating in your stomach.

Medication alternatives to Nexium

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another proton pump inhibitor or medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Bacterial Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers often show improvements when the clinical pharmacology of Nexium starts to work. Sometimes, however, these ulcers are associated with the growth of bacteria. In this case, the doctor may decide to provide the patient with antibiotics as part of their treatment plan. Medical tests can help to determine if the patient has a bacterial infection. The doctor may also ask about your medical history.

Nexium prescription FAQs

How much does Nexium cost?

If you require these proton pump inhibitors to treat GERD, then the cost can vary depending on several factors. Whether you use the brand name or generic esomeprazole magnesium will have an impact on the price. Esomeprazole magnesium as a generic may come at a lower price.

How can I refill my Nexium prescription?

These are not nonprescription drugs. They do require a prescription. You can have your prescription sent to a nearby pharmacy for easy pickup.

How long do I need to wait after taking Nexium?

Do not have a meal shortly after taking esomeprazole magnesium. The medication works best on an empty stomach to help prevent too much acid in the stomach. The prescription PPI should be taken about an hour prior to a meal.

How many days can you take Nexium in a row?

Nexium is sometimes used to treat GERD and other conditions over a long period of time. It is also possible to have the medication administered through a feeding tube if necessary. You can usually use the prescription PPI on a daily basis. Some patients use it for over three years when it is used to treat consistent symptoms.

What happens if you take Nexium and you don’t need it?

The medication may cause a reduction in stomach acids, which can adversely affect the metabolism and processing of foods you eat.

Who should not take Nexium?

Do not take Nexium to treat frequent heartburn as a fast-acting solution. There are other drugs that can treat heartburn as it happens. Be careful about taking the medication if you have cutaneous lupus erythematosus or experienced allergic reactions to similar drugs in the past.

What happens if I miss a dose of Nexium?

You can take your missed dose as long as it is not too close to the next dose of the medication. If you take it too close to the next dose, then there may be too much Nexium in your system.

What happens if I take too much Nexium?

A high concentration of Nexium will not help to provide more significant symptom relief but can rather lead to serious adverse effects. The risk of low magnesium and other adverse effects will increase in this case. Contact a poison control center if you take too much and experience serious adverse effects.

3 simple steps to request your Nexium prescription today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a Nexium prescription request appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Nexium prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your Nexium prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Nexium prescription pricing details

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.