Nexium® Warnings
Nexium® is the trademarked name of esomeprazole magnesium, a proton pump inhibitor often prescribed for the treatment of GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease) and chronic heartburn among other conditions. While the drug is generally deemed safe, the manufacturer (AstraZeneca) is required by the FDA to issue several warnings to patients taking the Nexium® drug or those considering taking it.
In addition to several non-life-threatening side effects including headache, gas/bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, Nexium® can cause severe, life-threatening side effects including swelling of the tongue, throat and airways.
If you have liver disease, your doctor should administer tests to see if you are able to take Nexium® and at what dosage it would be safe for you to do so (low dose—20mg capsules—are generally substituted in these cases).
Nexium Drug Interactions
In addition, Nexium® can adversely interact with several drugs including heart medication, HIV medication, and drugs which require a specific level of acid in the stomach. The Nexium® drug interaction list includes but is not limited to:
- Atazanavir
- Nelfinavir
- Saquinavir
- Digoxin
- Iron salts
- Ketoconazole
- Voriconazole
- Cilostazol
- Warfarin
Nexium® has also been linked in epidemiological studies to increased risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis fracture including that of the wrist, hip, and even spine. This risk is reportedly greater in patients (male and female) over 50 years old, those taking Nexium® regularly for extended periods of time, or in higher doses than regularly prescribed.
Precautions to Consider When Taking Nexium®
- Nexium® should be taken at least 1 hour before a meal because it effects the level of stomach acid patients produce
- Nexium® should be taken at the same time every day in order to regulate digestion
- If you skip a dosage, do not discontinue use.
- Swallow Nexium® capsules whole — do not chew or crush them and never chew the granules inside.
- Consuming alcohol while taking Nexium® is not advised because alcohol will increase the level of acid produced by the stomach and negate the effectiveness of the drug.
Nexium®Use While Pregnant or Breast Feeding
Nexium® has been classified by the FDA as a pregnancy category B drug and as such has not been studied in pregnant or nursing mothers. However, there are several considerations expectant, or new mothers should discuss with their doctors prior to taking Nexium®.
Esomeprazole is the s-isomer of Omeprazole (meaning it has a different atomic structure but the same molecular weight) and concentrations of Omeprazole have been measured in breast milk. In addition, nursing infants may receive up to 0.9 percent of the maternal daily dose when the mother is taking a 20 mg Omeprazole capsule daily. No data exist for higher daily doses.
Also, Omeprazole has been linked to instances of embryolethality and fetal resorption in animal testing at levels as low as 5.5 times the normal adult human dosage. While there's no direct correlation between animal and human results, this has led to doctors issuing prescriptions for Nexium® only when the benefits are thought to outweigh the risks.
Contact a Nexium® Attorney Today
If you've taken Nexium® and suffered any of the side effects or adverse drug interactions, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our law offices today and speak with one of our Nexium® lawyers in complete confidence and at no charge to you.
