Nexium – Effective and Safe Proton Pump Inhibitor
Belonging to a group of powerful proton pump inhibitors, Nexium helps reduce the amount of acid, produced within the stomach. Consequently, the medication is widely used to treat diverse conditions, related to excess stomach acid. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the main Nexium indications, though it can also be used for treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, esophagitis and several other disorders. Besides, the medication is prescribed for patients to warn the occurrence of gastric ulcer, provoked by helicobacter pylori. Contact your medical specialist in case you want to use the medication for other purposes, not listed in the safety guide. Make sure your health condition will remain safe during off-label Nexium intake.
Safety Issues to Be Aware of Primarily to the Treatment Course: Warnings, Precautions and Contraindications
The primary doctor’s assistance is required for flawless treatment of the nasty condition. To adjust the correct dose, suiting your health state, your medical specialist should be aware of all the health abnormalities and disorders you have. Nexium is contraindicated for people, sensitive to any of its ingredients or similar drugs. Besides, several other health abnormalities, illnesses and disorders can interfere with Nexium course, either eliminating its positive results or triggering the medicine overuse. Therefore, your healthcare provider should be informed about all the underlying or accompanying health problems you have, especially:
- Lupus;
- Severe liver disorders;
- Decreased magnesium levels in the blood;
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia, etc.
The risk of bone fracture in the wrist, spine or hip can be advanced by Nexium intake, especially if the medication is used by people above 50 years old. Despite there is no detailed information about Nexium influence on the health of unborn and nursing children, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its intake for their own safety.
Nexium and Other Pharmaceuticals
Provide your medical specialist with a list of other prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal products, minerals, vitamins and pharmaceutical supplements you are using to eliminate possible interaction with Nexium. You should not combine the drug with:
- HIV/AIDS remedies;
- Antifungals;
- Iron-containing treatments;
- Warfarin;
- Cilostazol;
- Digoxin;
- Rifampin;
- Erlotinib and others.
How to Succeed in Nexium Therapy: Directions for Use and General Recommendations
Administer Nexium strictly in accordance with the doctor’s instructions to achieve the desirable effect and avoid misuse outcomes. Never increase or decrease the adjusted dose, length of the course or other specifications of the therapy. Your doctor can occasionally change the prescription for you to achieve maximal results.
The average Nexium course lasts for 4-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition and other points. Sometimes, the second course may be required. The dose will differ greatly and will depend on individual health peculiarities of the patient. Generally, the treatment should be administered on a daily basis, approximately an hour before a meal. Drink plenty of water during the therapy. Keep using Nexium for a full course even if your symptoms seem to improve.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop in patients, who are using Nexium for over 3 years. The drug can change the results of certain medical tests, so your doctor should be warned about its intake.
Side Effects and Serious Reactions Possible
Seek immediate medical help in case Nexium intake has triggered the symptoms of allergic reactions or other harmful side effects:
- Symptoms of decreased magnesium in the blood;
- Convulsions;
- Severe bloody or watery diarrhea;
- Stomach pain and discomfort;
- Kidney impairments;
- Joint swelling and pain, etc.
Call your doctor to report less serious disorders from Nexium intake, especially dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, gas, diarrhea, stomach ache and others.