1. Heartburn or Something Worse
For many people, the main symptom for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is heartburn. While everyone experiences heartburn now and then, it shouldn't be an everyday occurrence. If you find yourself popping Tums after every meal, have a doctor test you for GERD. People with GERD experience a burning sensation caused by stomach acid, pepsin and bile washing back into the esophagus. The acid causes damage to the lining of the esophagus, known as erosive esophagus (EE). Patients diagnosed with GERD, or acid reflux, often must continue treatment indefinitely.
2. Nexium Blocks Stomach Acid
Nexium, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), keeps enzymes in the stomach from producing stomach acid. Once the acid is blocked, the stomach and esophagus lining heal. Once patients discontinue Nexium, the enzymes begin to produce acid again. Even after treatment, the esophagus usually sustains more damage, creating the need for constant treatment. Studies for Nexium show that the drug works hours longer and provides more relief than four other main PPIs.
3. Prevent Gastric Ulcers With Nexium
Do you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat arthritis? If so, you quadruple the chance of gastric ulcers forming. Nexium works to prevent gastric ulcers from forming and is safe for at-risk patients over 60 years of age. When combined with amoxicillin like Amoxil and Dispermox or with clarithromycin like Biaxin, Nexium helps treat the ulcers and prevents reoccurrences.
4. The Downside of Side Effects
Studies indicate that the three most common Nexium side effects are diarrhea, headache and abdominal pain. Nausea, constipation and gas occurred equally in patients taking Nexium, but occurred in less than 3 percent of cases. Several side effects like blurred vision, hypertension, earache and weight gain occurred in less than 1 percent of patients taking Nexium. While doctors and pharmacists consider Nexium a safe drug, it can interfere with heart medications like digoxin.
5. Don't Doctor the Doctor's Dose
Nexium comes in 20 mg and 40 mg capsules. For people unable to swallow, doctors may administer Nexium through an IV. Time-released capsules allow the drug to slowly enter the body. When you crush or break the pellets in the capsule, your body absorbs more of the drug than intended, which may lead to an overdose. Generally, doctors prescribe a 4- to 8-week course of Nexium. Even if you feel better, continue to take Nexium according to your doctor's or pharmacist's recommend dose.
