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.
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.*
About Nexium
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)
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:
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Diarrhea
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Nausea
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Stomach pain
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Constipation
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Accumulation of gas
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Dry mouth
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Headaches
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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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.
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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.
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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.
How to take Nexium
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:
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?
How many days can you take Nexium in a row?
What happens if you take Nexium and you don’t need it?
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?
What happens if I take too much Nexium?
3 simple steps to request your Nexium prescription today
Book a Nexium prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Nexium prescription.
Pick up your Nexium prescription.
Nexium prescription pricing details
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Nexium prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Nexium 24HR. "Nexium 24HR - Understanding Heartburn: What is Nexium?" Accessed Oct 2, 2023, www.nexium24hr.com/us/understanding-heartburn/what-is-nexium/.
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Drugs.com. "Nexium." Accessed Oct 2, 2023, www.drugs.com/nexium.html.
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