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Nexium Oral Precautions and Side Effects


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: ESOMEPRAZOLE DELAYED-RELEASE CAPSULE - ORAL
Pronounced: (ES-oh-MEP-ra-zole)

Nexium Oral Side Effects

Headache, diarrhea, nausea, gas, stomach pain, constipation, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • signs of a lung infection called pneumonia (e.g., fever, cough, trouble breathing)


Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • severe stomach/abdominal pain
  • persistent nausea
  • vomiting
  • unusual tiredness
  • dark urine
  • yellowing eyes/skin
  • signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency with long-term (over 3 years) treatment (e.g., unusual weakness, sore tongue, numbness or tingling of the hands/feet)


A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • dizziness
  • trouble breathing


This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Nexium Oral Precautions

Before taking esomeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (e.g., lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • severe liver disease
  • other stomach problems (e.g., tumors)


Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have:

  • heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness
  • chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing)
  • pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders
  • unexplained weight loss


This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Based on information for similar drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.

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