Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced
in the stomach.

Nexium is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and
other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison
syndrome. It is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to
your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Nexium may also be given to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Nexium is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.





Get emergency medical help if you have **signs of an allergic reaction ro
Nexium:** hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  * severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  * seizure (convulsions);

  * **kidney problems** \- fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;

  * **low magnesium** \- dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling; or

  * **new or worsening symptoms of lupus** \- joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Taking esomeprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called
fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

If you use esomeprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin
B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you
develop it.

Common Nexium side effects may include:

  * headache;

  * diarrhea;

  * nausea, stomach pain, gas, constipation; or

  * dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Nexium side effects (more detail)